French Market In Positive Territory

(RTTNews) - The French market was in positive territory on Monday, as investors were relieved after Greece managed to get a four-month extension to its bailout. Investors largely shrugged off data showing that a measure of German business confidence rose less-than-expected .

The temporary economic lifeline would help Greece avoid an economic crash out and bridge the time for discussions on a possible follow-up arrangement to bring back the country to a financial stability.

A measure of German business confidence rose less-than-expected in February, reports said, citing the results of a key survey. The Ifo business climate index climbed to 106.8 in February, while it was expected to rise to 107.6. In January, the score was 106.7.

Meanwhile, the current conditions index of the survey unexpectedly fell to 111.3, while it was expected to rise to 112.7. In January's, the reading was 111.7.

The Euro Stoxx 50 index of eurozone bluechip stocks added 0.43 percent, while the Stoxx Europe 50 index, which includes some major U.K. companies, gained 0.19 percent.

The CAC 40 index gained 0.30 percent.

Cap Gemini climbed 1.8 percent and Essilor International added 1.5 percent.

Lafarge was moderately higher, after Swiss peer Holcim, which is being acquired by the French cement giant, announced financial results. Holcim added over 1 percent on the Six Swiss Exchange.

However, Technip and Gemalto fell 1.7 percent each on the CAC 40 index.

Other markets in the region are mostly higher.

The Asian stocks rose after Wall Street shares surged to record highs Friday, buoyed on relief over the last-minute Greek debt deal.

In the U.S., futures point to a cautious open on Wall Street. In the previous session, stocks rose after Greece agreed not to roll back austerity measures and draw up a list of financial reforms it was prepared to make by the end of April under the EU debt deal.

Crude for April delivery fell $0.68 to $50.13 per barrel, while gold lost $12.2 to $1192.7 a troy ounce.