European stocks close: most stocks closed slightly higher despite the mixed economic data from Eurozone

Most stock indices closed slightly higher despite the mixed economic data from Eurozone. Eurozone's final manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) fell to 50.7 in August from 50.8 in July. Analysts had expected the manufacturing PMI to remain unchanged.

German final manufacturing PMI dropped to 51.4 in August from 52.0 in July. Analysts had expected the manufacturing PMI to remain unchanged.

French final manufacturing PMI rose to 46.9 in August from 46.5 in July.

German gross domestic product (GDP) declined 0.2% in the second quarter, in line with expectations.

On a yearly basis, German GDP increased 0.8% in in the second quarter, in line with expectations.

Investors are awaiting the European Central Bank's interest rate decision on Thursday and speculate that the ECB may add new stimulus measures.

Escalating tensions over Ukraine weighed on markets. USA and the European Union threatened further economic sanctions on Russia. Investors have concerns that sanctions against Russia would have a negative impact on the economic growth in the Eurozone.

U.S. markets are closed for the Labor Day holiday on Monday.

Novartis AG shares jumped 4.3% after the company reported that s experimental heart drug showed better results than standard therapy.

Indexes on the close:

Name Price Change Change %

FTSE 100 6,825.31 +5.56 +0.08%

DAX 9,479.03 +8.86 +0.09%

CAC 40 4,379.73 -1.31 -0.03%