Author: Elena Todorova
123jump.com
Last Update: 1:15 PM EST November 20 2006

European stock markets closed in the positive Monday, lifted by merger activity in the metal and exchange sectors and weaker crude oil prices. The German DAX 30 led the regional gainers with an advance of 0.62%. The index was boosted by 2% gain for defensive utility stocks RWE and E.On, as well as lower oil. The French CAC 40 gained 0.28% and London FTSE 100 added 0.2%. Oil sensitive stocks contributed to the advance, with airline Air France-KLM and cruise operator Carnival moving higher.