Investment picture now brighter: fund manager

European stocks advanced yesterday, with the Stoxx Europe 600 Index climbing to the highest since July 26, as reports showed German investor confidence in March increased more than forecast and US retail sales rose in February.

Raiffeisen Bank International and UniCredit led lenders higher. Eramet, operator of the world’s biggest ferro-nickel plant, gained with metal prices. Antofagasta Plc fell after full-year profit missed analysts’ estimates.

The Stoxx 600 added 1.8% to 269.56 at the close, after euro-area finance ministers signed off on a second bailout for Greece. The benchmark index has rallied 10% so far this year.