European stocks close: stocks closed mixed ahead of new debt talks between Greece and the European Union on late Friday

Stock indices closed mixed ahead of new debt talks between Greece and the European Union on late Friday. Greece yesterday submitted a request for an extension of its existing loan agreement. But German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble replied that the Greek loan proposal was "not a substantial proposal for a solution".

Eurozone's preliminary manufacturing PMI increased to 51.1 in February from 51.0 in January, missing expectations for a rise to 51.6.

Eurozone's preliminary services PMI rose to 53.9 in February from 52.7 in January. Analysts had expected the index to climb to 53.2.

Germany's preliminary manufacturing PMI remained unchanged at 50.9 in February from 51.2 in December, missing forecasts of an increase to 51.8.

Germany's preliminary services PMI increased to 55.5 in February from 54.0 in January, beating expectations for a gain to 54.3.

France's preliminary manufacturing PMI fell to 47.7 in February from 49.2 in January, missing forecasts of a rise to 49.7.

France's preliminary services PMI rose to 53.4 in February from 49.4 in January, exceeding expectations for a gain to 49.9.

Retail sales in the U.K. decreased 0.3% in January, missing expectations for a 0.1% drop, after a 0.2% gain in December. December's figure was revised down from a 0.4% rise.

The increase was driven by lower food, clothing and footwear sales.

On a yearly basis, retail sales in the U.K. climbed 5.4% in January, missing expectations for a 6.0% rise, after a 4.0% increase in December. December's figure was revised down from a 4.3% increase.

The public sector net borrowing in the U.K. dropped by £9.4 billion in January, missing expectations for a decline to £9.5 billion, after a rise by£9.9 billion in December. December's figure was revised down from an increase by £12.5 billion.

The decline was driven by a tax receipts of self-employed workers and top rate taxpayers.

Indexes on the close:

Name Price Change Change %

FTSE 100 6,915.2 +26.30 +0.38%

DAX 11,050.64 +48.70 +0.44%

CAC 40 4,830.9 -2.38 -0.05%