Author: Elena Todorova
123jump.com
Last Update: 12:43 PM EST March 15 2006

European averages closed in the positive, supported by strong resource and tech stocks. BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto, and BP advanced on higher metal prices. STMicroelectronics and Infineon Technologies showed strength in the tech sector. The German DAX 30 rose 0.5%, the French CAC 40 gained 0.2%, and London FTSE 100 advanced 0.4% on merger speculation.