European shares started the month positively on Monday, buoyed by strong economic data from China that helped to allay concerns about growth rates in the world's biggest metals consumer, Reuters reported. Basic resources stocks, including miners and other commodity companies, rose 1.3 percent, the biggest sectoral gainer, after data showed Chinese factory activity expanded at its fastest pace in five months in May. The pan-European FTSEurofirst 300 index rose 0.3 percent to 1,381.29 by 0800 GMT, more than recouping Friday's slight dip. The CAC index underperformed, down 0.1 percent, as data showed France's manufacturing sector fell back into contraction having recorded its first two months of growth since 2011 in March and April. Spain's blue-chip IBEX gained 0.4 percent after its manufacturing sector expanded at the fastest rate since April 2010. Germany's DAX rose 0.2 percent, or 26.34 points to 9,969.61, leaving it within touching distance of breaking the 10,000 mark for the first time.
