European stock exchanges close Thursday higher

By Ovunc Kutlu

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

The STOXX Europe 600, which includes around 90% of the market capitalization of European markets in 17 countries, rose 2.82 points, or 0.61%, to finish at 461.36.

The UK's FTSE 100 increased 24 points, or 0.32%, to end the session at 7,440.

Germany's DAX rose 118 points, or 0.74%, to 16,141. France's CAC 40 added 36 points, or 0.5%, to close at 7,369.

Italy's FTSE MIB was the best performer of the day, soaring 222 points, or 0.78%, to 28,774.

Spain's IBEX 35 added 25 points, or 0.26%, to end the day at 9,478.