European stocks rose, reaching at the same 23-month high as a report showed that German business confidence rose more than expected. Also today, the European Central Bank reported loan repayment program for long-term refinancing. Research conducted by the Institute of Ifo, showed that the business climate index rose to a seven-month high in January, while still achieving the level of 104.2, compared to 102.4 in December. Note that according to the average forecast of economists value of this indicator was increased to 103. The data also showed that this was the third consecutive monthly increase.

Cost STMicroelectronics (STM) NV rose 4.4 percent after Exane BNP Paribas raised its rating on the stock of the company to 'buy'. Shares of SolarWorld AG (SWV) fell from a peak in July 2002, after the company reported that it is necessary to make a "significant" change in the structure of the debt.

Stoxx Europe 600 Index rose 0.3 percent to 289.60, heading for a weekly increase of 0.9%.

Shares of Boiron SA (BOI) increased by 5.5% to 30.31 euros after the French manufacturer of homeopathic remedies said projected operating income in 2012 will be "significantly" higher than in 2011. Full year revenue rose by 7.5 percent to 566.3 million euros.

The cost of Salzgitter AG fell 2.4% to 35.94 euros after analysts at Commerzbank AG and UBS AG downgraded the stock to 'sell'.

FTSE 100 6,271.69 +6.78 +0.11%

CAC 40 3,776.9 +24.73 +0.66%

DAX 7,837.6 +89.47 +1.15%