EBITDA before asset disposals and property revaluation rose moderately from a year ago.

The Dow also rose moderately, boosted by gains in Caterpillar Inc CAT.N .

Earlier on Thursday, OMX said fourth-quarter operating profit declined from a year ago, while revenue rose moderately.

Consumer shares rose after the government said personal spending rose moderately in May, exceeding expectations, after being flat in April.

Sales at bars and restaurants also rose moderately last month, as did receipts at hobby, musical instrument and book stores.

A report on Friday showed a German industry output jumped in the second quarter, while economic growth in Italy rose moderately.

The major Wall Street indexes rose moderately as investors rotated into defensive and lagging sectors, while taking some profits in energy, materials, and industrials.

Commerce Department data showed U.S. consumer spending and prices rose moderately in June, pointing to slower economic growth and bolstering the case for monetary easing.

Despite political turmoil in Spain, European shares rose moderately while the Iseq in Dublin climbed by more than 0.7 per cent.