European stocks recovered some of their losses on Thursday after hitting a three-week low in the previous session, receiving support from banks and utilities as investors assess the latest economic data across the continent. The Stoxx 600 index closed up 0.7 percent, following two consecutive days of decline and touching its lowest levels since December 13 on Wednesday.
Banks led the recovery, adding 1.7 percent, while utilities rose by 1.5 percent. Healthcare stocks continued their upward trend, increasing by 1.4 percent for five consecutive days.
On the downside, retail stocks fell by 0.8 percent after JD Sports Fashion's shares dropped by 23 percent following the retailer's reduction of its full-year profit forecast, which led to a 3 percent decline in Adidas shares and a 5.9 percent drop in Puma shares. Technology stocks also decreased by 0.4 percent, marking their fifth consecutive decline.
