European shares close higher; U.S. data boost

LONDON Nov 2 (Reuters) - European shares closed higher on Monday, boosted by better-than-expected U.S. manufacturing and pending home sales data, with commodities and banks the major gainers.

The pan-European FTSEurofirst 300 .FTEU3 index of top shares provisionally closed up 0.3 to 979.70 points.

"It has been an amazing turn around. The ISM was a very good strong figure. Economic numbers are surpassing expectations. Today is a jubilant reaction to the news flow which is very supportive," said Mike Lenhoff, strategist at Brewin Dolphin.

The markets rebounded after data showed U.S. manufacturing sector grew in October for the third consecutive month and pending sales of previously owned U.S. homes unexpectedly rose in September. [ID:nN02309157] [ID:nN02432431]

Energy stocks gained as crude edged 1.3 percent higher. BG Group (BG.L), BP (BP.L) and Total (TOTF.PA) were up 1.3 to 2.2 percent.

Miners were among the top movers as gold rose above $1,050 an ounce, copper MCU3=LX ticked up 0.2 percent and aluminium MAL3=LX was 0.6 percent higher.

Anglo American (AAL.L), Antofagasta (ANTO.L), BHP Billiton (BLT.L), Eurasian Natural Resources Corporation (ENRC.L), Rio Tinto (RIO.L) and Xstrata (XTA.L) were up 2.5 to 4.9 percent.

Banking stocks recovered to feature among the best performers. HSBC (HSBA.L), BNP Paribas (BNPP.PA) and UniCredit (CRDI.MI) gained 1.5 to 3.3 percent. (Reporting by Joanne Frearson)