European exchanges close with gains

By Ovunc Kutlu

ISTANBUL (AA) - European stock exchanges closed Friday with gains to finish the week on a higher note.

The STOXX Europe 600, which includes around 90% of the market capitalization of the European markets in 17 countries, was up 3.87 points, or 0.76%, to 515.95.

The UK’s FTSE 100 increased 32 points, or 0.39%, to end the session at 8,273.

Germany’s DAX added 181 points, or 0.98%, to end at 18,699. France’s CAC 40 rose 30 points, or 0.41%, to 7,465.

Italy’s FTSE MIB, meanwhile, increased 114 points, or 0.34%, to 33,568.

Spain’s IBEX 35 was the best performer of the day, rising 140 points, or 1.23%, to 11,540 at the closing bell.