European stocks rose for a fifth straight month, even as Fed Chair Kevin Warsh reiterated that he will curb stubborn inflation. According to Sina Finance, the Stoxx Europe 600 Index was up 0.5% at 4:40 p.m. London time and had gained about 1% in August.
Auto shares led the advance, with BMW and Forvia both rising more than 4% after Citi added the two companies to its bullish catalyst watch. France's CAC 40 rebounded 1% after posting its biggest one-day drop in seven weeks in the previous session.
Latest data showed French inflation rose more than expected, driven by higher energy costs, reinforcing market expectations that the European Central Bank will raise rates next month. Strong corporate earnings and resilient economic growth also supported the rebound, although markets are entering a seasonally weaker period as macroeconomic concerns rise.