European stocks advanced

European stocks advanced, after the Stoxx Europe 600 Index completed its fifth monthly rally yesterday, as investors awaited a report that may show U.S. consumer confidence rose and as Chinese manufacturing expanded.

China’s manufacturing expanded for the first time in three months as output and new orders climbed, adding to signs growth in the world’s second-biggest economy is rebounding after a seven-quarter slowdown.

The Purchasing Managers’ Index climbed to 50.2 in October from 49.8 in September, the National Bureau of Statistics and China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing said. A separate survey from HSBC Holdings Plc and Markit Economics increased to an eight-month high.

Croda slumped 4.6 percent to 2,099 pence. The company posted a third-quarter continuing operating profit of 59.70 million pounds, missing the analyst estimate of 63.96 million. Chairman Martin Flower said he expects a similar performance in the fourth quarter as in the third quarter amid a weak market, particularly in Europe.

BG Group Plc, the U.K.’s third-largest natural-gas producer, dropped 5.5 percent to 1,084 pence. The stock extended yesterday’s biggest decline since at least September 1988, as analysts at Bank of America, Societe Generale SA and Macquarie Securities Ltd. lowered their recommendations. BG Group plunged 14 percent yesterday after saying project delays will hold back output growth next year.

FTSE 100 5,807.41 +24.71 +0.43%

CAC 40 3,449.16 +19.89 +0.58%

DAX 7,302.53 +41.90 +0.58%