Major stock markets in Europe finished the first trading session of the week higher with today's economic data in focus. The Eurozone private sector activity grew at a faster pace in June, with Germany reporting the highest Business Activity Index since 2011. In the United Kingdom, the expansion slowed slightly amid a record increase in costs and inflation. Meanwhile, Sentix data showed investor confidence was also on the rise in the Euro area.

The FTSE 100 was up 0.58% at the closing bell as IAG SA jumped 4.88%. The DAX gained 0.08% concurrently, with HeidelbergCement AG gaining 1.70%. The CAC 40 increased 0.22%. Societe Generale SA advanced 2.49%.

The euro was flat against the greenback to change hands for 1.18625 at 5:29 pm CET, while the pound rose 0.15% at the same time to sell for 1.38506 dollars.