European stocks close: stocks closed higher on the positive data from the Eurozone

Stock indices closed higher on the positive data from the Eurozone. Germany's ZEW economic sentiment index increased to 34.9 in December from 11.5 in November, exceeding expectations for a rise to 19.8. That was the highest reading since May 2014.

Eurozone's ZEW economic sentiment index fell to 10.0 in December from 11.0 in October, missing expectations for a gain to 20.1.

Eurozone's trade surplus widened to €19.4 billion in October from €17.9 billion in September, exceeding expectations for a rise to €18.2 billion. September's figure was revised up from a surplus of €17.7 billion.

Eurozone's preliminary manufacturing PMI increased to 50.8 in December from 50.1 in November, exceeding expectations for a rise to 50.5.

Eurozone's preliminary services PMI rose to 50.9 in December from 51.1 in November. Analysts had expected the index to climb to 51.6

Germany's preliminary manufacturing PMI increased to 51.2 in December from 49.5 in November, beating forecasts of an increase to 50.4.

Germany's preliminary services PMI fell to 51.4 in December from 52.1 in November, missing expectations for a gain to 52.6.

France's preliminary manufacturing PMI dropped to 47.9 in December from 48.4 in November, missing forecasts of a rise to 48.7.

France's preliminary services PMI climbed to 49.8 in December from 47.9 in November, exceeding expectations for a gain to 48.6.

Indexes on the close:

Name Price Change Change %

FTSE 100 6,331.83 +149.11 +2.41%

DAX 9,563.89 +229.88 +2.46%

CAC 40 4,093.2 +87.82 +2.19%