ISTANBUL

European stock exchanges closed Thursday with gains.

The STOXX Europe 600, which includes around 90% of the market capitalization of European markets in 17 countries, was up 3.09 points, or 0.6%, to finish at 519.51.

The UK's FTSE 100 increased almost 30 points, or 0.36%, to end the day at 8,223.

Germany's DAX added almost 127 points, or 0.69%, to 18,534. France's CAC 40 rose 53 points, or 0.71%, to close at 7,627.

Italy's FTSE MIB, meanwhile, added 11 points, or 0.03%, to hit 34,318 by the closing bell.

Spain's IBEX 35 was the best performer of the day by rising 98 points, or 0.89%, to end the day at 11,170.