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April 2 (Reuters) - European stocks kicked off the

second quarter on a higher note, with focus on a string of

economic data points including inflation data from Germany that

could provide clarity on the timing for interest rate cuts from

the European Central Bank.

The continent-wide STOXX 600 was up 0.3% by 0712

GMT on Tuesday, as investors returned to markets following an

extended weekend and the Easter holidays.

Technology stocks boosted the benchmark index, with

BE Semiconductor Industries jumping 4.6% after

brokerage Barclays upgraded the stock to "overweight" from

"equal weight".

Germany's DAX climbed 0.3%, ahead of consumer price

index data due at 1200 GMT, where economists polled by Reuters

expect a 2.2% annual rise in March, compared with a 2.5%

increase in the month before.

Data from the region's largest economy could be seen as a

bellwether for broader euro zone inflation, data for which is

expected on Wednesday.

UBS gained 1.2% after the lender announced it was

launching a new share buyback programme of up to $2 billion,

with up to half being completed in 2024.