European stocks climb as economic data lift companies

London - European stocks climbed as stronger economic data from Germany and France helped lift the shares of cyclical companies including makers of technology and autos.

The Stoxx Europe 600 Index rose 0.2% at 10:40. Technology shares were among the best performers, led by Nokia Oyj, after the company settled all litigation with Apple related to their intellectual property dispute and agreed on a multi-year patent license.

Automakers and lenders also climbed. The Stoxx 600 slipped less than 0.1% yesterday, with banks leading losses.

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