European stocks rise with support of energy and financial sectors

European stocks rose on Thursday for the second consecutive session, supported by stocks in the financial and energy sectors, as investors were optimistic about improving consumer sentiment in the United States after the decline in inflation expectations.

The pan-European STOXX 600 rose 0.3% by 0809 GMT in quiet holiday trade, tracing an upbeat session on Wall Street on Wednesday night.

Wall Street’s main indexes posted their biggest daily gains so far this month on Wednesday, boosted by data showing US consumer confidence rose to an eight-month high in December as inflation eased and the labor market maintained its strength.

On the Stoxx 600 index, energy stocks rose 0.7 to lead the gains, supported by higher oil prices.

Banking stocks rose 0.5 percent for the fifth straight session.