European stocks close midweek on high note

By Gokhan Ergocun

ISTANBUL (AA) - Almost all major European markets closed midweek on a high note.

The STOXX Europe 600, which includes around 90% of the market capitalization of the European market in 17 countries, rose 2.24 points, or 0.48%, to 473.12.

The UK's FTSE 100 index gained 30.14 points, or up by 0.42%, to reach 7,149 points.

Only Germany's DAX 30 posted a decline -- down 0.07% or 10.8 points -- to stand at 15,824 points.

France's CAC 40 increased by 1.18%, or 78.5 points, to 6,758 points.

Italy's FTSE MIB went up 172.4 points, or 0.66%, at 26,181, while Spain's IBEX 35 gained 144.9 points, or 1.64%, to 8,991.

Asia's major stock markets also closed the day with gains.

Turkey's BIST 100 index closed at 1,474.13 points with a decline of 0.86%.