European stocks traded higher, near the highest level since January, helped by growth in the health sector and telecommunications. At the same time, lower banks shares inhibits the rally.

Certain influence on the dynamics of trade had statistical data for the euro area. The final report, submitted by Statistics agency Eurostat showed that in November, consumer prices in the euro area fell by 0.1% after rising 0.2% in October. However, the decline in prices has confirmed the expectations of experts. Meanwhile, the growth rate of annual inflation accelerated to 0.6% from 0.5% in the previous month. Core CPI, which excludes energy and food prices, rose 0.8% year on year, confirming the forecasts and coincided with the previous estimate. Recall that in October the index also increased by 0.8%. Among EU countries, annual inflation rose in November by 0.6% after rising 0.5% in October. A year earlier the rate was at 0.1%. The report also stated that the bigest increase in prices in the euro area (in annual terms) was seen in restaurants and cafes (+ 0.07%). Expenses for the rent increased by 0.04%. The cost of tobacco products also increased by 0.04%.

The composite index of the largest companies in the region Stoxx Europe 600 is trading with an increase of 0.29 percent. Over the past two weeks, the index rose nearly 6 percent .

Shares of Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena increased by 0.7 per cent after receiving regulatory approval to extend the bond exchange program. However, experts note that the concerns about the need for government intervention remain.

At the moment:

FTSE 100 +13.36 7012.30 + 0.19%

DAX +52.38 11418.78 + 0.46%

CAC 40 +26.77 4846.00 + 0.56%