European stocks close higher, save for Italy, with construction gains

ISTANBUL

European stock markets closed Monday with gains, except for Italy's exchange, with gains in the construction sector.

The STOXX Europe 600, which includes around 90% of the market capitalization of the European market in 17 countries, was up 1.13 points, or 0.27%, at 425.87.

The UK's FTSE 100 increased 29 points, or 0.4%, to close at 7,361. It was the best performer of the day.

Germany's DAX 30 rose 49 points, or 0.36%, to end the session at 13,942. France's CAC 40 added 20 points, or 0.32%, to close at 6,473.

Spain's IBEX 35 climbed 24 points, or 0.3%, to finish the first trading day of the week 8,136.

Italy's FTSE MIB, on the other hand, fell four points, or 0.02%, to 23,683 at the closing bell.

Production in the construction sector rose 1.3% in both the euro area and EU during October, compared to the previous month, according to initial estimates from Eurostat.

Annually, construction output rose 2.2% in the euro area and 2.4% in the EU in October, from the same month a year ago, said the statistical office.