European markets close higher, 4 indices post new records

By Ovunc Kutlu

ANKARA (AA) - European stock markets closed higher on Thursday while four indices climbed to new record high levels.

The STOXX Europe 600, which includes around 90% of the market capitalization of the European market in 17 countries, gained almost two points, or 0.41%, to close at 483.21, before hitting a new all-time high of 484.03 points.

London's FTSE 100 was up 31 points, or 0.43%, closing at 7,279.

Germany's DAX 30 increased 69 points, or 0.44%, to 16,029 before reaching a record high level of 16,064.79 points.

France's CAC 40 climbed 37 points, or 0.53%, to 6,987 after it climbed to a fresh all-time high of 6,993.01 points during the day.

Italy's FTSE MIB 30 was the best performer again by soaring 144 points, or 0.53%, to end the day at 27,522. Borsa Italiana posted a fresh record high of 27,550.29 during the session.

Spain's IBEX 35 increased 8.6 points, or 0.1%, to close at 9,039.