European Stocks Continue Upward March As William Morrison Supermarkets Leads Retailers Higher

European markets rose on Tuesday, as gains in retailers offset declines in energy stocks on slumping oil prices. William Morrison Supermarkets rose in London as it embarks on a search for a new CEO to lead the business back to growth, while Metro got a boost from strong December sales. But oil and gas stocks slumped as oil prices now below $45 a barrel prompted a sell-off in Tullow Oil, Hardy Oil & Gas, and France's Total. In Amsterdam, Philips retreated after announcing that production delays at a Cleveland plant will hurt earnings more than expected.