European shares finished up, albeit in thin pre-holiday trade.

However the bourses trimmed their earlier gains partly due to disappointing housing data from the US.

Other influences from across the Atlantic – personal spending increased in November while US consumer confidence rose less than expected.

European banks were strong performers, including Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds Banking Group and Standard Chartered.

Energy stocks were boosted by rising oil prices. BP, Royal Dutch Shell and BG Group gained after data showed a sharp drawdown in US crude oil stocks as well as a fall in distillates and petrol.

Mining companies rose against a backdrop of firmer metals prices. Eurasian Natural Resources, Lonmin, Rio Tinto and Vedanta Resources all gained in value.

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