European stocks close higher except for Italy

By Ovunc Kutlu

ISTANBUL (AA) - European stocks closed higher Wednesday except in Italy.

The STOXX Europe 600, which includes around 90% of the market capitalization of the European market in 17 countries, was up 1.75 points, or 0.34%, to close at 515.77.

The UK’s FTSE 100 rose 40 points, or 0.49%, to finish at 8,354. Germany’s DAX 30 added 68 points, or 0.37%, to 18,498.

France’s CAC 40 was the best performer of the day, rising 55 points, or 0.69%, to hit 8,131.

Spain’s IBEX 35, meanwhile, fell 72 points, or 0.65%, to close at 11,153.

Italy’s FTSE MIB, on the other hand, declined 91 points, or 0.27%, to 34,151 at the final bell.