European exchanges close with major gains

By Ovunc Kutlu

ISTANBUL (AA) - European stocks closed higher Wednesday with major gains.

The STOXX Europe 600, which includes around 90% of the market capitalization of the European markets in 17 countries, was up 5.56 points, or 1.18%, at 477.09.

The UK’s FTSE 100 rose almost 42 points, or 0.56%, to 7,527 and France’s CAC 40 added 67 points, or 0.91%, to end the day at 7,455.

Germany’s DAX 30 was the best performer of the day, soaring 262 points, or 1.58%, to almost 16,890.

Italy’s FTSE MIB increased 260 points, or 0.87%, to finish the session at 30,338.

Spain’s IBEX 35 jumped 114 points, or 1.16%, to 9,974 at the closing bell.