European exchanges close Thursday higher

By Ovunc Kutlu

ISTANBUL (AA) - European stock exchanges closed with gains on Thursday.

The STOXX Europe 600, which includes around 90% of the market capitalization of the European market in 17 countries, rose 4.05 points, or 0.82%, to finish at 495.10.

The UK's FTSE 100 increased almost 22 points, or 0.29%, to end the session at 7,684.

Germany's DAX 30 was the best performer of the day, soaring 252 points, or 1.47%, to 17,370.

France's CAC 40 jumped 99 points, or 1.27%, to 7,911. Italy's FTSE MIB rose 337 points, or 1.06%, to close at 32,356.

Spain's IBEX 35, meanwhile, increased 31 points, or 0.31%, to end the day at 10,138.