Stock indices in Europe increased for fifth consecutive session on Thursday, as investors expect the UK referendum results

The composite index of the largest companies in the region Stoxx Europe 600 rose during trading on 1,7% - to 347.10 points. Over the last four sessions the index jumped 6.2%, the week could be the best since 2011.

On Thursday, the British decide the fate of their country's future membership in the EU. Referendum kicked off at 06:00 GMT, the first results of individual constituencies will be announced around midnight.

On Wednesday, three of four opinion polls show only a minimal advantage for "remain", while the fourth shows significant advantages for those who want to stay in the EU.

The price of securities of the British department store chain Tesco has grown by 2.6%. The company reported a second consecutive quarterly increase in revenue.

The capitalization of the British manufacturer of packaging materials recycled DS Smith Plc rose by 4.7% due to an increase in data revenues and profits in the last quarter.

Shares of Italian Banco Popolare SC rose 2.4%. On Wednesday, the Bank completed the sale of new shares in the amount of EUR 990 million. Additional emission was carried out as part of the merger with Banca Popolare di Milano.

Volkswagen shares jumped 0.95% after shareholders were finally able to express criticism of the leadership of the automaker for the scandal-fraud level of emissions

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At the same time, shares of BAE Systems fell 0.7% after the IBC Advanced Alloys Corp, announced a contract for the joint development of prototypes of products with the British defense company.

At the moment

FTSE 6360.81 99.62 1.59%

DAX 10297.37 226.31 2.25%

CAC 4475.85 95.82 2.19%