EUROPE MARKETS: European Stocks Gain Ahead Of Manufacturing Data

By Carla Mozee, MarketWatch

LONDON (MarketWatch) -- European stocks opened higher Tuesday, with major indexes starting the second quarter with gains ahead of euro-zone manufacturing and unemployment data.

The Stoxx Europe 600 rose 0.3% to 335.31, adding to Monday's advance that left the benchmark up 1.8% for the first quarter.

Before a round of euro-zone manufacturing figures were released, HSBC's monthly Chinese manufacturing data fell for a third straight month in March, conflicting with China's official version signaling an expansion in the sector. But some analysts said much of the data reflect economic restructuring by China as it seeks more sustainable growth.

On the Stoxx Europe 600 index, miners paced advances, led by a 2.5% climb in shares of BHP Billiton PLC (BHP) . The mining-sector heavyweight said it may further overhaul its portfolio to focus on up to five key commodities.

BHP's share-price rise also helped the U.K.'s FTSE 100 move higher, by 0.3% to 6,619.34.

Germany's DAX 30 bounced up 0.3% to 9,584.88 early Tuesday, and France's CAC 40 rose 0.3% to 4,405.53.

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