- Eurozone economic confidence data out
- German inflation figures to be released
- Tensions remain high over Crimea

FTSE 100: 0.51%
DAX: 0.75%
CAC 40: 0.44%
FTSE MIB: 0.81%
IBEX 35: 0.72%
Stoxx 600: 0.64%

European stocks gained ahead of a report that may show Eurozone economic confidence rose in March.

A report at 10:00 GMT is expected to show Eurozone economic confidence increased to a reading of 101.3 in March, from 101.2 a month earlier.

German inflation figures will also be in focus when released at 13:00 GMT. Analysts predict consumer prices in Europe's biggest economy rose by 1.1% year-on-year in March.

In the US, the University of Michigan will unveil its consumer confidence index which is tipped to edge up to 80.5 in March from 79.9 a month ago.

Also in the US, investors will be watching for data on personal spending and income.

Russia's annexation of Crimea illegal, UN confirms

The United Nations (UN) General Assembly yesterday approved a resolution which deemed the Moscow-led referendum that led to Russia's annexation of Crimea from Ukraine as illegal.

The vote came after the International Monetary Fund agreed to throw financial aid to Ukraine in a deal worth $14-18bn.

The US Congress also passed legislation yesterday supporting a $1bn loan guarantee for Ukraine.

Intesa Sanpaolo

Intesa Sanpaolo advanced as Italy's second-biggest bank forecast dividend payouts of €1bn this year and €2bn next year.

Pirelli & C. SpA gained after the Italian tyre maker reported 2013 earnings which beat analysts' estimates.

Deutsche Wohnen climbed after the German residential landlord said annual profit jumped 68%.

The euro fell 0.17% to $1.3716.

Brent crude futures rose $0.046 to $107.880 per barrel, according to the ICE.

RD

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