European Stocks Post Strong Gains On Easing Hope

(RTTNews) - The European markets finished notably higher on Thursday. Buying was sparked by reports that the European Central Bank is considering various options to ease monetary policy further.

The cues from overseas helped encourage buying at the open, with most Asian markets finishing higher. Shares in Europe rose steadily through the day, with the U.S. market closed for the Thanksgiving Holiday.

The German DAX climbed 1.4 percent. The France's CAC 40 advanced 1.1 percent and the FTSE 100 index climbed about 0.9 percent.

In Frankfurt, Infineon Technologies surged 12 percent after reporting financial results.

Europe's big-name car makers posted notable gains on the day. This came as data showed Europe's commercial vehicle demand increased for the tenth straight month in October, according to a report from the European Automobile Manufacturers Association. Daimler gained 3.5 percent. Volkswagen rose 2.7 percent and BMW added 1.3 percent.

In Paris, Renault jumped 3.5 percent and Peugeot added 1.4 percent.

There was some strength among financial stocks as well. Societe Generale, BNP Paribas and Credit Agricole rose between 2.3 percent and 1.4 percent.

In London, Glencore climbed 5 percent. Anglo American and Antofagasta added 1.4 percent each. Meanwhile, BHP Billiton dropped 3.2 percent.

Daily Mail and General Trust climbed around 4.6 percent after reporting the partial disposal of Wowcher.

Sinclair surged nearly 5.6 percent. The company announced the disposal of its non-aesthetics business to Alliance Pharma Plc for 132 million pounds. Alliance Pharma shares declined more than 10 percent.