European stocks close: stocks closed higher on results of the U.S. midterm elections

Stock indices closed lower higher on results of the U.S. midterm elections. Democrats lost control of the U.S. Senate. The Republican Party also extended their majority in the House of Representatives, their largest majority in the House of Representatives since the 1940s.

Retail sales in the Eurozone fell 1.3% in September, missing expectations for a 0.6% decrease, after a 0.9% gain in August. August's figure was revised down from a 1.2% rise.

Eurozone's final services purchasing managers' index decreased to 52.3 in October from 52.4 in September. Analysts had expected the index to remain unchanged at 52.4.

Germany's final services purchasing managers' index fell to 54.4 in October from 54.8 in September. Analysts had expected the index to remain unchanged at 54.8.

France's final services purchasing managers' index rose to 48.3 in October from 48.1 in September. Analysts had expected the index to remain unchanged at 48.1.

Investors are awaiting the European Central Bank's (ECB) interest decision and press conference tomorrow. They will analyse the ECB' President Mario Draghi's speech for signs for the further stimulus measures by the ECB to boost the economy in the Eurozone.

Indexes on the close:

Name Price Change Change %

FTSE 100 6,539.14 +85.17 +1.32%

DAX 9,315.48 +149.01 +1.63%

CAC 40 4,208.42 +78.23 +1.89%