European, Brazilian Stocks Rise as French Bonds, Euro Retreat

European stocks rallied, following the Stoxx Europe 600 Index’s first annual loss since 2008, after manufacturing in Germany and China beat forecasts. French bonds fell before debt sales this week and the euro weakened.

The Stoxx 600 closed up 1.1 percent as Germany’s DAX Index surged 3 percent, the biggest gains since Dec. 20 for each. Brazil’s Bovespa index increased 1.9 percent as of 4 p.m. New York time. U.S., U.K. and other markets were closed today for the New Year’s holiday. French 10-year bonds fell for a fourth day, pushing yields nine basis points higher to 3.24 percent. The euro weakened against 13 of 16 major peers. Gold rose.