European markets jump over 1.5%, fueled by US rally

By Ovunc Kutlu

ANKARA (AA) - European stocks closed higher Thursday, recovering from the previous day's losses, as indices jumped more than 1.5% each, except London.

The STOXX Europe 600, which includes around 90% of the market capitalization of the European market in 17 countries, was up 7.24 points, or 1.6%, to close at 458.57.

London's FTSE 100 rose 82 points, or 1.17%, to 7,078, while Germany's DAX 30 index gained 277 points, or 1.85%, to 15,250.

The French CAC 40 increased 107 points, or 1.65%, to 6,600. Italy's FTSE MIB rose 386, or 1.51%, to 25,992 points.

Spain's IBEX 35 was the best performer, soaring 2.14%, or 187 points, to 8,962.

The rallies came after US indices started strong amid hopes of extending the country’s debt limit.

The Dow Jones was up 513 points, or 1.5%, to 34,931 at 12.12 p.m. EDT, while the S&P 500 was up 60, or 1.36%, to 4,423.

The Nasdaq soared 232, or 1.61%, to 14,734.