European shares edge higher; utilities in demand

European shares edged higher, adding to a strong rally last week, with utilities rising after Germany extended nuclear power plants' lifespans, but in low volumes with Wall Street closed.
The pan-European FTSEurofirst 300 index of top shares rose 0.2 percent to 1,065.80 points, the highest close since Aug. 9, after rising 3.6 percent last week.
Tokyo stocks rose 2.1 percent, gaining for a fourth day after fewer-than-expected US job losses in August bolstered optimism that the US economy would not fall back into recession.
The benchmark Nikkei picked up momentum after it broke above its 25-day moving average for the first time in about a month, and has climbed more than 5 percent this month following a 7.5 percent slide in August.
Wall Street is not operating today due to a national holiday in the United States.