European stocks close higher except in France

By Ovunc Kutlu

ISTANBUL (AA) - European stocks closed higher Monday except in France and the broader STOXX index.

The STOXX Europe 600, which includes around 90% of the market capitalization of the European market in 17 countries, was down 0.11 points, or 0.02% to finish almost flat at 499.08.

France's CAC 40 lost 19 points, or 0.26%, to end the session at 7,250.

Germany's DAX, on the other hand, gained three points, or 0.02%, to close at 17,726.

Italy's FTSE MIB rose 146 points, or 0.46%, to end at 31,928. Spain's IBEX 35 added seven points, or 0.07%, to finish at 10,646.

The UK's FTSE 100 was the best performer of the day, rising 42 points, or 0.52%, to end the day at 8,210.