European stocks up ahead of British elections

European stocks rose on Thursday, thanks to optimism that the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates after weak US data.

The market in London also witnessed an increase with the start of the elections in Britain, and opinion polls expected a historic victory for the opposition Labor Party.

The European Stoxx 600 index increased 0.3%, with the banking sector topping the gains, while car company stocks gained 0.8%.

The British Financial Times 100 Index rose by 0.5%, while the markets wait to find out the size of the majority that the Labor Party may obtain.