(For a live blog on European stocks, type LIVE/ in an Eikon
news window)
Aug 15 (Reuters) - European shares edged higher on Thursday,
after a brutal sell-off was fueled by global recessionary fears,
but investors were hoping central banks would step in to ease
monetary policy and soothe markets.
The pan-European STOXX 600 index .STOXX rose 0.2% by 0710
GMT, gaining some ground after dropping to near six-month lows
hit in the previous session.
London's FTSE 100 index .FTSE was the only major index in
the red with oil majors leading declines as crude prices
slumped.
In earnings news, strong numbers from beer maker Carlsberg
CARLb.CO and shipping group A.P. Moller-Maersk MAERSKb.CO
pushed shares of both Danish companies higher.
Drillisch DRIG.DE and United Internet UTDI.DE slid
lower, after the German telecom firms cut their profit
outlook. Markets in Italy, Austria and Greece were shut for a public
holiday.