Europe close: Stocks mostly higher, boosted by US economic data
European shares finished mostly higher on Thursday, buoyed by better-than-expected data out of the US.
The pan-European Stoxx 600 index climbed 0.27% to 446.44 points, alongside a 1.12% advance for the FTSE Mibtel to 25,056.19, while the Cac-40 was ahead by 0.69% to 6,435.71.
Germany's Dax on the other hand dipped 0.28% to 15,406.73.
"Another largely uninspiring day on the markets today, with European markets stuck in neutral gear waiting for a fresh driver of sentiment. With the [US] VIX closing in on levels not seen since the pandemic began, there is undoubtedly a lack of any particular conviction despite ongoing improvements in the US economic-front."
Airbus shares surged as it announced plans to increase the production of its popular A320 single-aisle passenger aircraft to 45 per month in the fourth quarter and 64 per month by the second quarter of 2023 as it took an optimistic view of the economic recovery from the Covid pandemic.
The news also boosted aircraft engine makers Rolls-Royce and MTU Aero Engines, along with aerospace engineers Melrose and Meggitt.
Shares in HSBC reversed early losses after the bank said it was pulling out of US retail banking by selling some parts of the money-losing business and winding down others to focus on Asia, its biggest market.
Food and beverages group Tate & Lyle fell 6% despite a rise in annual adjusted profits.
German sportswear firm Puma edged higher after French luxury goods group Kering said it will sell a 5.9% stake in the firm through a share placement.
Centamin shares dropped sharply following the decision by analysts at Liberum to start coverage at 'sell', arguing that while its "strong" balance sheet gave it the resources to finance the turnaround of its flagship gold mine at Sukari, the shares were overvalued at present.