European shares boosted by US growth data

European shares were given a boost on Thursday by the positive data on US economic growth.

In London the FTSE closed 1.13 percent up, Frankfurt’s Dax gained 1.66 percent and the CAC40 in Paris had climbed 1.36 points.

The FTSEuro first 300 index of top European shares rose by 1.8 percent.

Owners of financial stocks were among the biggest beneficiaries with Lloyds leading a charge of British-based banks. Energy shares fell though on the back of disappointing corporate profits.

A euro was fetching around $1.48 and a barrel of Brent crude was up to around $78.50.

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tags: European markets, Markets