European stocks edged higher on Monday amid thin trading volumes due to a UK bank holiday, with sentiment remaining positive on hopes of a quick economic rebound and a strong earnings season, according to Reuters. The pan-European STOXX 600 index rose 0.2% in its first day of trading in May. The benchmark ended April with a 1.8% rise, falling just shy of its all-time highs. Data showed German retail sales posted their biggest year-on-year increase in March since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic as easing of lockdown measures boosted purchases of clothes and shoes.
