European markets close higher, 5 indices post new records

By Ovunc Kutlu

ANKARA (AA) - European stock markets closed higher on Friday, as five indices climbed to new record high levels and they posted weekly gains between 0.8% and 3.4%, according to data compiled by Anadolu Agency.

The STOXX Europe 600, which includes around 90% of the market capitalization of the European market in 17 countries, gained 0.23 points, or 0.05%, to close at 483.44, before hitting a new all-time high of 485.13 points. The index rose 1.6% this week.

London's FTSE 100 was up 24 points, or 0.33%, closing at 7,303. It reached a record high of 7,331.25 points during the session and had a weekly gain of 0.9%.

Germany's DAX 30 increased 24 points, or 0.15%, to 16,054 before posting a record of 16,084.90 points. It rose 2.3% this week.

France's CAC 40 climbed 53 points, or 0.76%, to 7,040 after it hit a fresh all-time high of 7,063.40 points during the day. It had a weekly gain of 3.1%.

Italy's FTSE MIB 30 jumped 273 points, or 1%, to end the day at 27,795, before posting a fresh record high of 27,866.87 during the session. Borsa Italiana was the best performer of the week by increasing 3.4%.

Spain's IBEX 35 was the best performer of the day by rising 91 points, or 1.01%, to close at 9,130. The index was up 0.8% this week.