European indices close higher despite French political unrest

European stock indices finished the day mostly higher, reports say, with gains across the region's main benchmarks. One report describes a slide in European stocks tied to French political unrest, while another points to a drop amid political turmoil in France, so the reports do not agree on the direction of the broader market.

The headlines point to French political unrest as a factor in trading, with one report noting the unrest rattled markets ahead of major earnings. Another report cites French unrest and Ukraine tensions. One report adds that gains in Rheinmetall and pharma shares offset a decline in Siemens Energy, which it puts at 5%. The reports do not make the cause of the overall move fully clear.

By the numbers, the DAX 40 closed at 25,622.61, up 0.95% on the day. The CAC 40 ended at 7,956.70, up 0.28%. The Euro Stoxx 50 finished at 6,204.23, up 0.58%, and the STOXX Europe 600 closed at 644.74, up 0.72%.

For the year to date, the DAX 40 is up 4.62% and the Euro Stoxx 50 is up 7.13%. The STOXX Europe 600 has gained 8.87% year to date, while the CAC 40 is down 2.37% over the same period. Headlines change quickly, and one day's move says little about the longer trend.