U.K. homebuilder Persimmon closed up 4.2 percent, after it said first-half profit rose 29 percent, helping push other names in the sector such as Taylor Wimpey, Bellway and Bovis Homes Group to close sharply higher.
Reuters reported that the chief executive of Polish insurer PZU is flying to Milan for talks to acquire Bank Pekao from Unicredit. Shares of the Italian bank rallied 6.6 percent. The news lifted several Italian banks, including Intesa Sanpaolo and Banco Popolare.
Renault closed near the bottom of the STOXX 600 after the Financial Times reported that the French government’s report on the carmaker’s emission probe left out crucial details.
However Volkswagen shares shot up 2.4 percent after it said the two auto parts suppliers, with which it had been locked in a contract dispute, had agreed to start delivering parts again and that production would resume, according to Reuters.
Europe ends on a high note as banks, miners rally; Yellen speech … – CNBC