Europe close: Stocks extend gains after US jobs numbers

(Sharecast News) - European stocks advanced on Thursday following the release of softer-than-expected weekly jobless claims figures in the States. Those, analysts said, cemented expectations for an interest cut from the Fed the next week.

The pan-regional Stoxx 600 index was up 0.55% at 555.33. French stocks shrugged off political turmoil and protests, with the CAC 40 index up 0.80%, while Germany DAX rallied 0.30% despite the drag from a stronger euro.

"Coming off the back of last week's payrolls, the signs are there that the employment picture in the US is now definitively weakening," said IG chief market analyst Chris Beauchamp.

"The Fed's rationale for acting next week got a lot stronger today, and we are seeing plenty of buying in advance of next week's meeting."

The ECB meanwhile kept its key deposit facility rate at 2%, as anticipated.

On the equities front, Kering shares rose after the Gucci owner said it would not fully buy Italian fashion brand Valentino until at least 2028.