European markets opened higher on Tuesday in a shortened trading session ahead of Christmas, with the pan-European Stoxx 600 rising approximately 0.3%. All sectors were in positive territory, led by technology stocks following a strong performance in U.S. markets.

The FTSE 100 gained 0.35%, while the DAX and CAC 40 saw slight fluctuations, with the DAX down 0.18% and the CAC 40 up 0.38%. Pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk was a standout performer, recovering from a recent sell-off related to disappointing trial results for its CagriSema weight loss drug. The company's shares surged by 5.7% in early trading, propelling it to the top of the Stoxx 600.

Meanwhile, no significant economic data is expected from Europe on Tuesday, as global trading is anticipated to be muted this week due to early market closures for the Christmas holiday. In Asia, stock performance was mixed as investors kept an eye on Japan's monetary policy outlook and a major merger between Honda and Nissan, alongside declining consumer confidence in South Korea.