Europe Stocks Rise After German Retail Sales

European stock markets climbed on Thursday, after data showed German retail sales unexpectedly rose in February, offsetting worries about the euro-zone crisis. Retail sales in Germany picked up 0.4% last month, beating expectations of a 0.4% decline.

The Stoxx Europe 600 index added 0.3% to 293.40, after dropping 0.5% on Wednesday. Germany’s DAX 30 index rose 0.3% to 7,812.61, while France’s CAC 40 index gained 0.3% to 3,723.88. The U.K.’s FTSE 100 index put on 0.2% to 6,401.18.

Marketwatch