European stocks advanced on Thursday after jumping the most in six weeks as investors weighed the outlook for central bank policy amid signs of stronger US economic data.
The Stoxx 600 Index was up 0.5% by 9:03 a.m. in London, a day after posting its biggest one-day gain since Nov. 10 on the back of stronger-than-expected corporate earnings in the US and a pickup in consumer confidence. Energy and retail outperformed, while real estate and autos lagged among sectors.