European exchanges close with major gains

By Ovunc Kutlu

ISTANBUL (AA) - European stock exchanges closed 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 7.52 points, or 1.54%, at 495.96.

The UK’s FTSE 100 added 140 points, or 1.75%, to end the session at 8,166. France’s CAC 40 rose almost 136 points, or 1.91%, to 7,266.

Germany’s DAX increased 260 points, or 1.5%, to end at 17,615.

Italy’s FTSE MIB was the best performer of the day, soaring 724 points, or 2.33%, to 31,831.

Spain’s IBEX 35, meanwhile, added 208 points, or 2.01%, to 10,599 at the closing bell.