Europe close: Stocks edge higher on low trading volumes

European stocks renewed their push higher at the start of the week helped by gains for technology stocks, albeit on the back of holiday-depleted trading volumes.

"Stocks have resumed their march higher it seems, adding to the gains made in the second half of last week as inflation concerns appear to recede. Risk assets are moving higher on a broad front, with almost all major indices in positive territory and oil prices marching upwards as well," said IG chief market analyst, Chris Beauchamp.

"After the initial fears about inflation and a complacent Fed, last week’s Fed minutes seem to have provided the reassurance that the Fed will take a more nuanced approach than might have seemed the case based on recent speeches."

The pan-European Stoxx 600 index edged up 0.14% to 445.07, while the French Cac-40 gained 0.35% to 6,408.49.

Markets in Austria, Denmark, Hungary, Norway, Switzerland and Germany closed for Whit Monday.

In equity news, shares in Cineworld rose after Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway pulled in more people than expected after a national Covid-19 lockdown imposed in January.

Travel stocks recovered from early selling pressure after Germany’s public health institute declared Britain and Northern Ireland a virus variant region, requiring anyone entering the country from the UK to quarantine for two weeks on arrival.