European stocks close: stocks closed higher on the better-than-expected U.S. nonfarm payrolls

Stock indices closed higher on the better-than-expected U.S. nonfarm payrolls. The U.S. economy added 321,000 jobs in November, exceeding expectations for a rise of 225,000 jobs, after a gain of 243,000 jobs in October. October's figure was revised up from a rise of 214,000 jobs.

The U.S. unemployment rate remained unchanged at 5.8% in November, in line with expectations.

Investors also speculate that the European Central Bank (ECB) will add further stimulus measures. The ECB President Mario Draghi pointed out yesterday that the central bank had discussed various options of quantitative easing (QE). He said that the central bank will decide early next year whether to add further stimulus measures to boost inflation in the Eurozone.

Eurozone's revised gross domestic product (GDP) rose 0.2% in third quarter, in line with expectations and matching an initial estimate.

On a yearly basis, Eurozone's revised gross domestic product (GDP) increased 0.8% in third quarter, in line with expectations and matching an initial estimate.

German factory orders climbed 2.5% in October, exceeding expectations for a 0.6% rise, after a 1.1% increase. September's figure was revised up from a 0.8% gain.

Indexes on the close:

Name Price Change Change %

FTSE 100 6,742.84 +63.47 +0.95%

DAX 10,087.12 +235.77 +2.39%

CAC 40 4,419.48 +95.59 +2.21%