Brussels, April 14 (QNA) - European stocks rose on Tuesday, recovering from a weak start to the week, as investors grew optimistic about the possibility of peace talks in West Asia, despite the United States imposing a blockade on Iranian ports.

The pan-European STOXX 600 index rose 0.6 percent to 617.58 points by 0717 GMT.

European markets have faced significant challenges due to the continent’s heavy reliance on energy imports.

Despite these challenges, the STOXX 600 has risen about 4 percent since the start of the year, slightly outperforming the US S&P 500 index, which has gained 0.5 percent over the same period.

Industrial stocks rose 0.9 percent and technology shares gained 1.5 percent, leading sectoral gains.

Meanwhile, the personal and household goods sector led losses, falling 0.4 percent, while shares of French luxury group LVMH fell 2 percent. (QNA)