European stock markets closed with a modest increase, driven by strong performances in the banking and healthcare sectors, counteracting declines in technology shares. The STOXX 600 index finished the day up by 0.2%, despite broader challenges across tech-related stocks. HSBC and Banco Santander were significant contributors to the banking sector's rise, pushing the banks' index to levels not seen since October 2008. The healthcare sector also posted gains, with Novo Nordisk and Smith+Nephew seeing a respective 2.8% and 6.1% increase following positive annual sales and profit reports. Meanwhile, technology stocks faced a sell-off, influenced by a report of the U.S….