European stocks rose, with the Stoxx Europe 600 Index posting the longest winning streak in two months, after U.S. jobless claims dropped more than forecast and markets reopened following the Christmas holiday.

The Stoxx 600 rose 1.1 percent to 327.68 at the close of trading, for its sixth consecutive gain, the longest winning streak since Oct. 22. The gauge climbed 2 percent this week and has added 17 percent this year, putting it on course for its largest annual increase 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 42 economists surveyed by Bloomberg called for a drop to 345,000.

National benchmark indexes advanced in all 18 western-European markets today. France’s CAC 40 gained 1.4 percent, Germany’s DAX added 1.1 percent and the U.K.’s FTSE 100 rose 0.9 percent.

Vestas Wind Systems climbed 1.8 percent to 159.80 kroner. The world’s biggest wind-turbine maker said Dec. 24 that it won a 110-megawatt order from an undisclosed customer in the U.S.

Novo Nordisk rose 1.1 percent to 986 kroner. The FDA approved the company’s Tretten drug for the prevention of bleeding in adults and children who have a rare clotting disorder, according to an announcement late Dec. 23.

FLSmidth & Co. A/S gained 3.6 percent to 290.30 kroner as the Danish mining-equipment maker said it received an order worth 515 million kroner ($95 million) to supply a cement production line in Qatar.

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

U.S. stock-index futures were little changed after the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index (SPX) closed at a record amid optimism over the economic recovery.

Global markets:

Nikkei 16,178.94 +4.50 +0.03 %

Hang Seng 23,243.24 +63.69 +0.27 %

Shanghai Composite 2,101.25 +28.15 +1.36 %

FTSE 6,747.39 +53.22 +0.80 %

CAC 4,264.62 +46.21 +1.10 %

DAX 9,564.36 +75.54 +0.80 %

Crude oil $99.89 (+0.34%).

Gold $1212.00 (-0.02%).

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%

Asian stocks rose, with the regional benchmark index headed for the biggest weekly gain in six weeks, after U.S. jobless claims fell more than forecast.

Nikkei 225 16,178.94 +4.50 +0.03%

S&P/ASX 200 5,324.06 -3.19 -0.06%

Shanghai Composite 2,101.19 +28.09 +1.35%

Mazda Motor Corp., a Japanese carmaker that gets 30 percent of its revenue in North America, climbed 1.9 percent.

Fraser & Neave Ltd. gained 2.7 percent in Singapore after the developer announced a cash distribution to shareholders.

Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. slumped 5.2 percent in Tokyo after saying it ended development of a diabetes drug on safety concerns.

Nikkei 225 16,174.44 +164.45 +1.03%

S&P/ASX 200 Closed

Shanghai Composite 2,073 -33.25 -1.58%

FTSE 100 Closed

CAC 40 Closed

DAX Closed

Dow 16,479.76 +122.21 +0.75%

Nasdaq 4,167.18 +11.76 +0.28%

S&P 500 1,842.02 +8.70 +0.47%