European stocks close Wednesday with strong gains

ISTANBUL

European stock markets rallied on Wednesday to close midweek with strong gains.

The STOXX Europe 600, which includes around 90% of the market capitalization of the European market in 17 countries, was up 7.26 points, or 1.71%, to 431.44.

The UK's FTSE 100 rose 126 points, or 1.72%, to close at 7,497, while Germany's DAX 30 added 213 points, or 1.54%, to end the session at 14,097.

France's CAC 40 was the best performer of the day, soaring 129 points, or 2.01%, to 6,580.

Italy's FTSE MIB increased 393 points, or 1.66%, to finish the third trading day of the week at 24,111.

Spain's IBEX 35 climbed 117 points, or 1.43%, to 8,302 at the closing bell.