European stocks rose in early trading on Monday, supported by bank shares, as investors await a busy week of central bank meetings, including the Federal Reserve's (US central bank) meeting.
The Stoxx 600 index rose 0.2 percent to 556.2 points, with the interest-sensitive banking sector leading gains, up 0.8 percent.
Shares of French fuel retailer Rubis rose 6.7 percent, topping the Stoxx 600 index's gainers list. The company's value is estimated at approximately USD 3.5 billion.
The French CAC 40 index rose 0.4 percent, with shares of local banks such as Societe Generale up 1.3 percent, while both BNP Paribas and Credit Agricole rose about 0.9 percent.
