European equity markets edged higher on Monday, with luxury goods retailer Hermès leaping on rumours of stakebuilding, while metals groups were boosted by broker comment on steelmaker Salzgitter.

The FTSE Eurofirst 300 was up 0.3 per cent to 1,346.47 but volumes were low with markets in Norway, Denmark, Switzerland and Austria closed for a public holiday. European stocks pared early gains after Wall Street opened.