Stock indices traded higher as shares of banking sector increased. Shares of banking sector rose in news that the European Central Bank (ECB) was discussing with the Italian government about buying bad loans from Italian banks.

Market participants eyed the economic data from the Eurozone. Eurostat released its trade data for the Eurozone on Monday. Eurozone's unadjusted trade surplus increased to €24.3 billion in December from €23.6 billion in November.

Exports rose at an unadjusted annual rate of 3.0% in December, while imports increased 3.0%.

Eurozone's adjusted trade surplus declined to €21.0 billion in December from €22.6 billion in November.

Exports fell at an adjusted 0.3% in December, while imports increased 0.8%.

Current figures:

Name Price Change Change %

FTSE 100 5,818.17 +110.57 +1.94 %

DAX 9,216.34 +248.83 +2.77 %

CAC 40 4,126.12 +131.06 +3.28 %