Brussels, January 26 (QNA) - European stocks closed mixed Monday, supported by gains in the financial sector ahead of the release of major banks' earnings reports this week.

The pan-European Stoxx 600 index closed up 0.24 percent.

The banking sector led the gains, rising 1 percent.

Results from several major banks, including Germany's Deutsche Bank and Britain's Lloyds, are due this week. Data compiled by the London Stock Exchange Group on Thursday predicted a 4 percent rise in financial sector profits.

Britain's FTSE 100 rose 0.05 percent to 10,148.85 points.

France's CAC 40 index fell 0.15 percent to close at 8,131.15 points.

In contrast, Germany's DAX index rose 0.20 percent to close at 24,950.30 points.

Among today's earnings reports, Ryanair shares fell 2.3 percent after announcing its third-quarter results.

Shares of French food and beverage company Danone dropped 2.3 percent, after hitting a one-year low due to the recall of certain batches of infant formula in some markets. Airbus shares declined 2.1 percent.

The defense sector also limited gains, falling 1.6 percent.

Shares of sportswear company Puma jumped 16.9 percent, recovering from a 14 percent drop last Friday. (QNA)