By Mimosa Spencer and Tassilo Hummel PARIS (Reuters) -Luxury group Kering's fourth quarter sales were hit by a continued slump at its main brand Gucci, it said on Tuesday, but a slight improvement in the group's performance in major markets China and the United States buoyed investors.

Kering SA shares rose as investors took encouragement from better-than-expected profit and signs of stabilization at Gucci, its biggest brand, which has suffered in recent years from weaker demand.Most Read from BloombergNice Airport,

Gucci owner Kering reported a sharp drop in 2024 earnings on Tuesday, days after parting with its flagship brand's creative director in a bid to revive the struggling fashion house.Gucci parted ways with its creative director,