Europe shares end sharply higher; US data boosts

* FTSEurofirst 300 closes 1.6 pct higher

* Financials up; SocGen rises on retail banking, bid rumours

* U.S. data points to recovery; Fed statement awaited

By Brian Gorman

LONDON, Nov 4 (Reuters) - European shares rose sharply on Wednesday, with financials and automakers the major gainers, and with more evidence of economic recovery in the United States ahead of the Federal Reserve's statement at 1915 GMT.

The FTSEurofirst 300 index of top European shares rose 1.6 percent to close at 984.64 points, more than recouping the previous session's losses.

The benchmark index has gained more than 52 percent since hitting a record low in early March.

Banks added most to the index. Societe Generale (SOGN.PA: Quote, Profile, Research) gained 4.6 percent, boosted by a solid third-quarter performance at its French retail banking division and more bid speculation. [ID:nL3620732]

Barclays (BARC.L: Quote, Profile, Research), Banco Santander (SAN.MC: Quote, Profile, Research), BNP Paribas (BNPP.PA: Quote, Profile, Research), HSBC (HSBA.L: Quote, Profile, Research) and UBS (UBSN.VX: Quote, Profile, Research) were up between 1.2 and 4.2 percent.