European exchanges rally to close with major gains

European stock exchanges rallied Monday to close with major gains on the first trading day of the week.

The STOXX Europe 600, which includes around 90% of the market capitalization of the European markets in 17 countries, was up 4.76 points, or 0.93%, at 514.79.

The UK’s FTSE 100 added 43 points, or 0.53%, to close the session at 8,198. France’s CAC 40 rose 87 points, or 1.16%, to reach 7,622.

Germany’s DAX was the best performer of the day, soaring 235 points, or 1.29%, to end at 18.407.

Italy’s FTSE MIB, meanwhile, jumped 399 points, or 1.17%, to 34,615.

Spain’s IBEX 35 increased 56 points, or 0.51%, to 11,143 at the closing bell.