European markets rose, with the Stoxx Europe 600 rising 0.3% to its highest level since February 2011 amid better-than-expected German confidence data.

WSJ: Dow Climbs 72 Points

Since mid-February, economic data has not been as strong as expected and consumer confidence has slumped.

FORBES: Handicapping Google, BAC, JPM And Alcoa

European markets finished lower, with the Stoxx Europe 600 down 0.4%, as a disappointing Spanish treasury-bill auction offset better-than-expected consumer-confidence data in France.

WSJ: Stocks Slide in a Late Fall