(Reuters) – European stocks rose on Thursday, extending gains after a bruising sell-off earlier this week as lingering worries about slowing global economic growth and higher inflation put the main markets on course for a monthly drop.

The pan-regional index rose 0.6% by 0718 GMT, led by defensive sectors such as real estate, healthcare and food & beverages, while miners rebounded from sharp declines fuelled by worries about China’s economy.

After a winning streak of seven months, the benchmark now faces losses of 2.7%. This is due to investors moving away from high-growth industries because of a rise in yields on government bonds.

Among stocks, Sweden’s H&M rose 1.9% after it reported a bigger-than-expected jump in quarterly pretax profit as shoppers returned to stores, while spirits maker Diageo (LON:) Plc gained 2.0% after it forecast a boost to operating margins as people opt for premium brands.

Boohoo, a British online retailer of fashion, fell 10.3% after it said that higher freight costs and wages at its distribution centres would have an impact on full-year profits margins.