European shares rose on Thursday as investors sifted through a wave of economic data from major European economies, while anticipating the start of the Federal Reserve’s Jackson Hole conference later in the day.
The pan-European STOXX 600 index (.STOXX), opens new tab rose 0.5% at 516.29 points. The retail sector recorded a strong increase, while energy sector stocks faced greater losses due to a drop in oil prices for the fifth consecutive session amid concerns about global demand forecasts. Preliminary readings for the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) for France, Germany, the UK, and the Eurozone are scheduled to be released today.
Consumer confidence data for the Eurozone, the U.S. PMI and initial jobless claims figures – all due later in the day – will also be closely watched.
