By Mimosa Spencer and Tassilo Hummel PARIS (Reuters) -Luxury group Kering's fourth quarter sales were hit by a continued slump at its main brand Gucci, it said on Tuesday, but a slight improvement in the group's performance in major markets China and the United States buoyed investors.

Kering SA shares rose as investors took encouragement from better-than-expected profit and signs of stabilization at Gucci, its biggest brand, which has suffered in recent years from weaker demand.Most Read from BloombergNice Airport,

Kering’s revenue fell by less than analysts expected in the fourth quarter as the Gucci owner seeks to reinvigorate a turnaround plan for its core brand. Some luxury groups have pointed to signs of a rebound in demand,