European exchanges close Thursday with gains

By Ovunc Kutlu

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

The STOXX Europe 600, which includes around 90% of the market capitalization of the European markets in 17 countries, was up 2.74 points, or 0.59%, at 470.45.

The UK’s FTSE 100 rose 12 points, or 0.17%, to 7,459 and Germany’s DAX 30 added 135 points, or 0.83%, to finish the day at 16,567.

France’s CAC 40 was the best performer of the day, adding 82 points, or 1.13%, to end the day at 7,401.

Italy’s FTSE MIB gained 251 points, or 0.84%, to 30,350. Spain’s IBEX 35 was up 12 points, or 0.13%, to 9,880 at the closing bell.