European stocks set for sixth straight week of gains

European stocks rose today, as a decline in bond yields provided some relief to investors, and better-than-expected economic data bolstered sentiment.

The pan-European STOXX 600 index was up 0.3% by 07:21 GMT, heading for its sixth straight week of gains.

The UK’s FTSE 100 index rose 0.4% after data showed UK retail sales jumped more than expected in April, according to Reuters.

The German DAX index also advanced 0.4%, recording a reading just below its all-time high.