European Stock Markets Advance On Firmer Oil Prices, Economic Data

LONDON, Sept 1 (AFP) - European stock markets advanced Wednesday, powered by firmer oil prices in London and positive economic indications in Frankfurt.
The London FTSE 100 index finished on a gain of 0.96 percent at 4,500, while in Paris the CAC 40 was up 0.53 percent at the close at 3,613.23. In Frankfurt the DAX rose 0.86 percent to reach 3,817.62.
The DJ Euro Stoxx 50 index of leading eurozone shares added 0.78 percent to finish the day at 2,691.67.
On the currency market the dollar held steady against the euro in late-day trading following a satisfactory report on US manufacturing activity and as investors nervously awaited US job creation figures due out on Friday.
The single European currency was trading at 1.2179 dollars, against 1.2176 in New York late on Tuesday.
US stocks rose Wednesday morning, shrugging off somewhat weaker-than-expected US manufacturing data, a rebound in crude oil prices and more negative analyst comments on tech stocks.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 0.2 percent to 10,190, while the Nasdaq Composite Index jumped one percent to 1,857.
Earlier in the day Asia, the Tokyo Stock Exchange's benchmark Nikkei-225 index gained 0.41 percent to 11,127.35 points, while in Hong Kong the Hang Seng Index closed up 1.35 percent at 13,023.87 points.
Sentiment was boosted in London by Wall Street gains on Tuesday and as oil company shares responded to higher crude prices.
BP added 2.1 percent to reach 503.5 pence while Shell rose 1.1 percent to end the session at 410.
The financial sector was bolstered by reports of a possible counter-offer by HBOS for Abbey National, aimed at offsetting a bid by Santander Central Hispano of Spain.
Abbey National gained 0.9 percent to reach 603.5. HBOS was up 0.8 percent at 685.5 at the finish.
In Paris investors tended to shy away from France Telecom, which gave up 1.80 percent to end the day at 19.08 euros after the state announced the sale of 9.6 percent of its capital in the group. The move meant that France Telecom would pass into private hands, a step that prompted a call by trade unions for a strike next Tuesday.
Skin-care group L'Oreal rose 1.37 percent to 55.40 euros on a better-than-expected first half financial performance and predictions of double-digit growth in pre-tax earnings this year.
In Frankfurt activity was supported by a good showing in the financial and technology sectors and on reports that retail sales had gained ground for the second month in a row in July.
Chip-maker Infineon closed with a gain of 2.13 percent at 8.17 euros on an upbeat forecast for the overall computer chup industry by South Korean rival Samsung.
Among financial issues, Deutsche Bank added 1.72 percent to close at 56.85 euros while Commerzbank rose 1.56 percent to reach 13.71.
Elsewhere, shareprices were up 0.95 percent to 27,239 in Milan, 0.88 percent to 7,938.9 in Madrid, 0.67 percent to 325.27 in Amsterdam and 1.03 percent to 2,584.53 in Brussels.
The Swiss Market Index of London-quoted issues gained 0.85 percent to end the day at 5,468.