On Tuesday, European stocks saw a minor increase, driven by robust manufacturing data from the United States which boosted mining and energy stocks. Investors appeared unphased by the survey results that indicated a continued downfall in Eurozone's factory performance throughout March.
The inflation rates in six German states, which hold crucial economic significance, declined in March, according to preliminary data released ahead of the release of key inflation figures later in that day.
Meanwhile, British manufacturers reported an overall growth for the first time in activity in 20 months, as they experienced a revival in domestic demand.
The pan-European STOXX 600 index saw a marginal increase of 0.2 percent to reach 513.64, as trading got back on track after a long holiday weekend.
Slight progress was noticed in German DAX, France's CAC 40 which went up by 0.1 percent, and the U.K.'s FTSE 100 which increased by 0.4 percent.
Germany's Rheinmetall AG, an automotive and arms manufacturer, experienced a 2 percent hike after it secured a contract order worth 135 million euros from KNDS Germany.
UBS Group AG, the Swiss banking giant, registered a half percent increase on share buyback announcements. In addition, miners - Anglo American, Antofagasta, and Glencore saw a 1-3 percent rise.
As U.S. crude futures touched the $85-per-barrel mark in New York for the first time since October, amidst growing geopolitical risks and evidences of high demand in the U.S. and China, BP Plc surged by 2.5 percent and Shell by 2.9 percent.
However, some companies in the U.K. faced a decline owing to the unexpected drop in house prices due to higher interest rates. Housebuilder Persimmon fell over 2 percent, Taylor Wimpey lost 1.8 percent and Barratt Developments fell by 1.4 percent. The Nationwide Building Society's house price index reported a monthly decrease of 0.2 percent in March, contrasting with the 0.7 percent increase in February.
On a brighter note, Origin Enterprises, an international agri-services group, saw a 1 percent increase following the announcement of Colm Purcell's appointment as CFO.
Finally, CTS Eventim AG, Germany's ticketing services and live entertainment provider, added half a percent after confirming a put option deal with French media and entertainment firm, Vivendi SA, regarding the sale of Vivendi's festival and See Tickets' international ticketing activities.
