European stocks close: stocks closed little changed on better-than-expected U.S. retail sales

Stock indices closed little changed on better-than-expected U.S. retail sales. The U.S. retail sales climbed 0.7% in November, exceeding expectations for a 0.3% increase, after a 0.5% gain in October. October's figure was revised up from a 0.3% rise.

Retail sales excluding automobiles increased 0.5% in November, beating expectations for a 0.1% gain, after a 0.4% gain in October. October's figure was revised up from a 0.3% increase.

These figures showed that the U.S. economy is strengthening.

306 banks borrowed 129.84 billion euros in the auction (European Central Bank's targeted longer-term refinancing operation (TLTRO)).

Germany's final consumer price index was flat in November.

On a yearly basis, German final consumer price index rose 0.6% in October, higher than the previous reading of 0.5% gain.

France's consumer price inflation declined 0.2% in November, missing expectations for a 0.2% increase, after a flat reading in October.

On a yearly basis, French consumer price index fell to 0.4% in November from 0.5% in October. Analysts had expected the consumer inflation to remain at 0.5%.

Investors speculate that the European Central Bank will consider quantitative easing at its meeting in January.

The Greek ASE Index fell 7.4%. The Greek ASE Index dropped 13% on Tuesday as the Greek government announced that it would hold presidential elections on December 17. Analysts had not expected this decision. That was the biggest drop since 1987.

Indexes on the close:

Name Price Change Change %

FTSE 100 6,461.7 -38.34 -0.59%

DAX 9,862.53 +62.80 +0.64%

CAC 40 4,225.86 -2.05 -0.05%