(Il Sole 24 Ore Radiocor) - Milano, 1 apr - European shares closed higher boosted by factory data and comments from US president Donald Trump, who suggested a potential end to the conflict with Iran within the next few weeks.

Trump, who has signalled his willingness to end the war even if the Strait of Hormuz remains largely shut, said yesterday the conflict won't last "much longer." In comments today Trump said Iran's president had asked the US for a ceasefire. "We will consider when Hormuz Strait is open, free, and clear," he said.

Trump is due to deliver a speech to the nation later today to give an update about the war.

On the data front, the eurozone's purchasing managers' index (PMI) for the manufacturing sector increased to 51.6 in March from 50.8 in February, reaching a 45-month high, while the manufacturing PMI output rose to a seven-month high of 52.0, up from 51.9 in February.

The London FTSE 100 closed up 1.85% at 10,364.79 points, the Frankfurt DAX added 3.01% at 23,313.85 points, the Paris CAC 40 gained 2.10% at 7,981.27 points, while in Milan the FTSE MIB rose 3.17% at 45,714.95 points, and in Madrid the IBEX 35.

closed 3.15% higher at 17,586.10 points.

(RADIOCOR) 01-04-26 18:00:31 (0615) 5 NNNN