Brussels, April 30 (QNA) - European stocks rose by more than one percent Thursday, recording their biggest monthly gain in over a year, as investors were reassured by better-than-expected corporate results.

The pan-European Stoxx 600 index closed 1.4 percent higher at 611.28 points, ending a four-session losing streak.

Stock markets across the region also climbed, with the main indices in Germany and Britain rising by more than 1.4 percent each.

Industrial stocks rose 1.7 percent and healthcare stocks climbed 2.2 percent, providing support to the index, while the utilities sector index also rose 2.1 percent.

The European Central Bank (ECB) had earlier today kept interest rates steady, but indicated concerns about rising inflation, raising bets that it will raise borrowing costs by 25 basis points more than once this year, with an initial move expected in June.(QNA)