European stocks rose, with the Stoxx Europe 600 Index climbing for a sixth day, after U.S. jobless claims dropped more than forecast and as markets reopen after the Christmas holiday. U.S. index futures were little changed and Asian shares advanced.

The Stoxx 600 increased 0.5 percent to 325.87 at 8:21 a.m. in London. European stocks on Dec. 24 completed their biggest five-day rally since July. The Stoxx 600 has gained 17 percent this year, putting it on course for its best annual performance since 2009, as the European Central Bank and the Bank of England pledged to leave interest rates near record lows for a prolonged period.

In the U.S., a Labor Department report yesterday showed that jobless claims declined by 42,000 to 338,000 in the week ended Dec. 21. The median forecast of economists berg called for a drop to 345,000.

Debenhams advanced 1.4 percent to 82.55 pence. The Times said some institutional investors have criticized Chief Financial Officer Simon Herrick’s performance. The newspaper didn’t cite anyone and the retailer declined to comment.

Electrawinds SE, a renewable-energy developer, jumped 7.7 percent to 91.4 euro cents after the company and its Electrawinds NV unit received court protection for three months to negotiate a reorganization with creditors.

Vestas Wind Systems A/S climbed 2.4 percent to 160.70 kroner. The world’s biggest wind turbine maker said late on Dec. 24 that it won a 110-megawatt order from an undisclosed customer in the U.S.

FTSE 100 6,737.13 +42.96 +0.64%

CAC 40 4,260.25 +41.84 +0.99%

DAX 9,559.42 +70.60 +0.74%