"European Stocks See Mixed Performance Amid Market Volatility and Economic Data Anticipation"

European stocks closed slightly lower on Tuesday, with the Stoxx 600 index down 0.2% after reaching a 23-month high earlier in the session. Oil and gas stocks saw gains amidst Red Sea tensions, while technology stocks declined. Maersk shares rose 6% after the company suspended Red Sea shipping due to threats of Houthi attacks. Eurozone manufacturing activity continued to decline in December, suggesting a recession in Q3 of last year. In contrast, Asia-Pacific markets were mixed, with China's manufacturing PMI indicating further contraction and the need for policy support.