European stocks rise amid mixed data

European stock markets rose on Tuesday as traders reacted to a mixed batch of regional economic data, while keeping a close watch over escalating tensions surrounding the Ukraine-Russia crisis. London's FTSE 100 index of leading companies climbed 0.61 percent to stand at 6,741.22 points near midday in the capital, with investors reacting positively to more solid growth data for Britain. Frankfurt's DAX 30 gained 0.98 percent to 9,538.48 points and in Paris the CAC 40 added 0.43 percent to 4,479.63 compared with Monday's closing levels. Madrid's IBEX 35 index advanced 0.81 percent to 10,404.7 points, with traders brushing aside data showing that Spain's unemployment rate climbed to nearly 26 percent in the first quarter, according to AFP.