European stocks started the week higher, with investors awaiting economic data that could lead to a European Central Bank interest rate cut later in the week.The pan-European STOXX 600 index was up 0.5 percent, after posting its worst weekly performance since October 2023.Investors are awaiting consumer price data from Germany, Spain and France due this week. UK employment and GDP data are due on Tuesday and Wednesday respectively.Markets are also awaiting the European Central Bank's (ECB) decision on rates on Thursday, which is widely expected to be cut by 25 basis points.Technology stocks supported the index by 1 percent, while the travel and leisure sector index outperformed other sectors and led the best gains, rising 1.3 percent.Source: Qatar News Agency