European stocks close: stocks closed higher on positive PMI reports from the Eurozone

Stock indices closed higher on positive PMI reports from the Eurozone. Eurozone's preliminary manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) rose to 50.7 in October from 50.3 in September, beating expectations for a decline to 50.0.

Eurozone's preliminary services PMI remained unchanged at 52.4 in October, beating forecasts of a decrease to 52.0.

Germany's preliminary manufacturing PMI climbed to 51.8 in October from 49.9 in September, beating forecasts of a fall to 49.6.

Germany's preliminary services PMI fell to 54.8 in October from 55.7 in August, missing forecasts of a decline to 55.0.

France's preliminary manufacturing PMI declined to 47.3 in October from 48.8 in September, missing expectations for a decrease to 48.6.

Germany's preliminary services PMI decreased to 48.1 in October from 48.4 in August, missing forecasts of a fall to 48.2.

Retail sales in the U.K. fell 0.3% in September, missing expectations for a 0.1% decrease, after a 0.4% gain in August.

That data could mean that the economy in the U.K. is losing momentum, and the Bank of England may delay its interest rate hike.

Indexes on the close:

Name Price Change Change %

FTSE 100 6,419.15 +19.42 +0.30%

DAX 9,047.31 +107.17 +1.20%

CAC 40 4,157.68 +52.59 +1.28%