European markets down on further COVID worries

European stocks declined on Thursday, dragged down by a 1.7% fall of the FTSE 100
UKX,
-1.42%
index a few hours before the U.K. leaves the European Union’s single market and customs unions, and just as the country is moving to new severe restrictions due to coronavirus concerns.

The pan-European Stoxx 600
FXXP00,

index was down 0.3% in thin trading on a day when some major European exchanges are closed, such as Frankfurt, or operate on a shortened trading day, as in Paris.