European stocks close higher, save for Italy, with construction gains

By Ovunc Kutlu

ISTANBUL (AA) - European stock markets closed Monday with gains, except for Italy's exchange, with gains in the construction sector.

The STOXX Europe 600, which includes around 90% of the market capitalization of the European market in 17 countries, was up 1.13 points, or 0.27%, at 425.87.

The UK's FTSE 100 increased 29 points, or 0.4%, to close at 7,361. It was the best performer of the day.

Germany's DAX 30 rose 49 points, or 0.36%, to end the session at 13,942. France's CAC 40 added 20 points, or 0.32%, to close at 6,473.

Spain's IBEX 35 climbed 24 points, or 0.3%, to finish the first trading day of the week 8,136.

Italy's FTSE MIB, on the other hand, fell four points, or 0.02%, to 23,683 at the closing bell.

Production in the construction sector rose 1.3% in both the euro area and EU during October, compared to the previous month, according to initial estimates from Eurostat.

Annually, construction output rose 2.2% in the euro area and 2.4% in the EU in October, from the same month a year ago, said the statistical office.