European stocks close: most stocks closed higher on speculation the European Central Bank will add further stimulus measures

Most stock indices closed higher on speculation the European Central Bank (ECB) will add further stimulus measures. The ECB will release its interest decision tomorrow.

Eurozone' final services purchasing managers' index (PMI) fell to 51.1 in November from a preliminary reading of 51.3. Analysts had expected the final index to remain at 51.3.

Germany's final services PMI remained unchanged at 51.1 in November, in line with expectations.

France's final services PMI fell to 47.9 in November from a preliminary reading of 48.3. Analysts had expected the final index to remain at 48.3.

Retail sales in the Eurozone rose 0.4% in October, missing expectations for a 0.6% increase, after a 1.2% drop in September. September's figure was revised up from a 1.3% decline.

On a yearly basis, retail sales in the Eurozone surged 1.4% in October, exceeding expectations for a 0.9% gain, after a 0.5% increase in September. September's figure was revised down from a 0.6% rise.

The U.K. Chancellor George Osborne said in his Autumn Statement on Wednesday that the gross domestic product (GDP) forecast was raised to 3% in 2014 from 2.7% in March. The U.K. economy is expected to grow at 2.4% in 2015, so Osborne.

Unemployment in the U.K. is expected to fall to 5.4% in 2015, according Autumn Statement.

Indexes on the close:

Name Price Change Change %

FTSE 100 6,716.63 -25.47 -0.38%

DAX 9,971.79 +37.71 +0.38%

CAC 40 4,391.86 +3.56 +0.08%