Ankara: The pan-European Stoxx 600 index rose 0.6 percent to 613.11 points, reaching its highest level in over a week.

According to Qatar News Agency, Germany's DAX index fell 0.10 percent to 24,908.23 points, while France's CAC 40 index gained 0.27 percent to 8,152.82 points. The banking sector led the gains, rising 1.8 percent to its highest level since May 2008. HSBC shares climbed 2.8 percent, temporarily pushing its market capitalization to $300 billion.

In addition to the banking sector's rise, Puma shares surged nine percent to their highest level since last March. This increase followed a deal by sportswear company Antta to purchase a 29.06 percent stake in the German company for 1.5 billion euros ($1.8 billion).