European shares rise; supported by Nikkei rally

LONDON, Oct 23 (Reuters) - European stocks advanced in early trade on Monday, supported by Japan's Nikkei average .N225 ending at a five-month high on robust earnings and as U.S. stocks closed above intra-day lows.

Among gainers, Standard Chartered (STAN.L) gained 2 percent as talk swirled that Dubai government agency Istithmar might raise its stake in the Asia-focused bank.

By 0710 GMT, the pan-European FTSEurofirst 300 index .FTEU3 was 0.2 percent stronger at 1,447.7, up more than 13 percent so far this year, supported by a wave of mergers and acquistions and strong earnings.

The deluge of European results begins in earnest later this week.

The Federal Reserve is widely expected to leave interest rates on hold at 5.25 percent at the end of its policy meeting on Wednesday, diverting the markets' attention to the tone of its post-meeting statement.