European stocks close Thursday higher

By Ovunc Kutlu

ISTANBUL (AA) — European stock exchanges closed with gains on Thursday.

The STOXX Europe 600, which includes around 90% of the market capitalization of the European markets in 17 countries, rose 3.73 points, or 0.84%, to end the day at 447.80.

The UK's FTSE 100 was up 53 points, or 0.73%, to 7,455 at the final bell, while Germany's DAX 30 added 122 points, or 0.81%, to 15,352.

France's CAC 40, meanwhile, jumped 79 points, or 1.13%, to conclude the session at 7,113.

Italy's FTSE MIB increased 210 points, or 0.74%, to 28,644.

Spain's IBEX 35 was the best performer of the day, soaring 121 points, or 1.31%, to end the week at 9,405.