European stock markets mid session: stocks traded lower, following U.S. and Asian stock indexes

Stock indices traded lower, following U.S. and Asian stock indexes. U.S. and Asian stock indexes declined on comments by the Fed Chair Janet Yellen. Yellen said on Wednesday that valuations in the stock market are high and there is a potential risk there.

The uncertainty around today's parliamentary elections in the U.K. also weighed on markets. The win of the Conservatives is expected to have a negative impact on the pound as the Conservatives want to carry out a referendum on Britain's membership in the European Union (EU). The Labour Party said that the Britain's exit from the EU will be a catastrophe for the U.K. The Labour Party has promised to reduce the budget deficit.

German seasonal adjusted factory orders jumped 0.9% in March, missing expectations for a 1.5% increase, after a 0.9% drop in February.

Industrial production in France fell 0.3% in March, missing expectations for a flat reading, after a 0.5% rise in February. February's figure was revised up from a flat reading.

The decline was driven by declines in the production of energy and water.

On a yearly basis, the French industrial production rose 1.3% in March, after a 1.2% gain in February. February's figure was revised down up a 0.3% rise.

France's merchandise trade deficit widened to €4.575 billion in March from €3.623 billion in February. February's figure was revised down from a deficit of €3.4 billion.

Current figures:

Name Price Change Change %

FTSE 100 6,813.21 -120.53 -1.74%

DAX 11,192.22 -157.93 -1.39%

CAC 40 4,884.28 -97.31 -1.95%