European shares extend winning streak; Qiagen jumps as company explores sale

European shares edged closer to a record level on Monday, as optimism around U.S.-China trade talks and a surprise move by China's central bank in cutting a key interest rate painted an upbeat picture about global growth.

The pan-European STOXX 600 index rose 0.17% by 0814 GMT, extending gains after its six-week winning streak. The index is only 8 points short of an all-time high of 415.18 points hit in mid-April. Chinese state media Xinhua reported over the weekend Beijing and Washington had "constructive talks" on trade in a high-level phone call on Saturday.

Also adding to the positive sentiment was news that China's central bank unexpectedly trimmed a closely watched lending rate for the first time in more than four years on Monday, a signal that policymakers are ready to act to prop up slowing growth. Among stocks, Frankfurt-listed shares of genetic testing company Qiagen NV shot 13.2% to the top of STOXX 600 after the company said it had started reviewing options including a sale.