European stocks rise as ECB hopes eclipse grim data

European stocks ended higher on Monday, extending the previous session's rally as investors' hopes of further stimulus measures from central banks overshadowed grim manufacturing data from China and Europe.

The FTSEurofirst 300 index of top European shares ended 0.8 percent higher at 1,091.61 points, with the index experiencing its lowest trading volumes since last December's Christmas week, due in part to the fact that Wall Street remained closed for a public holiday.

The euro zone's blue chip Euro STOXX 50 index added 0.9 percent, to 2,463.17 points.

In Asia, Nikkei share average closed at a four-week low after seesawing throughout the day as disappointing Chinese data outweighed hopes the US Federal Reserve would act to boost the economy.

The Nikkei failed to hold onto those gains, slipping 0.6 percent to 8,783.89 points, its third straight session of losses. The broader Topix index eased 0.4 percent to 728.63.

Due to the Labor day holiday, Wall Street is not operating today.