European Stocks Mixed As Falling Oil Prices Drag Energy Stocks Lower

European stocks were mixed on Wednesday, as falling oil prices dragged energy stocks lower and as investors awaited a second day of Congressional testimony by U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen. Energy stocks including Tullow Oil and BG Group were among the biggest decliners in London as oil traded under $50 a barrel. Overall, European markets were relatively calm a day after Greece won a four-month extension of its financial rescue from its euro-zone partners, with corporate news pulling stocks in both directions. In Copenhagen, A.P. Moeller-Maersk A/S rallied as investors welcomed its plans to sell its 20% stake in Danske Bank A/S, worth about $5.5 billion as of Wednesday’s close, to focus on shipping and oil. In Paris, Axa rose 3.27% after France’s largest insurer posted a 12% rise in full-year profit to a record €5 billion and announced plans to raise its dividend by 17%, which amounts to 45% of adjusted earnings.