European stocks bounce back to close with gains

By Ovunc Kutlu

ANKARA (AA) - Major stock indices in Europe closed Wednesday with gains, bouncing back from the previous day's losses.

The STOXX Europe 600, which includes around 90% of the market capitalization of the European market in 17 countries, rose 3.96 points, or 0.9%, to close at 446.33.

London's FTSE 100 increased 99 points, or 1.36%, to finish at 7,429.

Germany's DAX 30 gained 95 points, or 0.69%, to end the day at 14,000, while France's CAC 40 was up 101 points, or 1.59%, to 6,498.

Italy's FTSE MIB added 170 points, or 0.7%, to close at 24,534.

Spain's IBEX 35 was the best performer of the day rising 132 points, or 1.62%, to 8,321.

The euro area annual inflation rate was 5.8% in February, up from 5.1% in January, according to Eurostat.

Energy prices were up 31.7% in February, from the same month in 2021, it added.