European stocks close: most stocks closed lower despite the solid economic data from the Eurozone

Most stock indices closed lower despite the solid economic data from the Eurozone. Germany's ZEW economic sentiment index increased to 54.8 in March from 53.0 in February, but missing expectations for a rise to 58.9. That was the highest reading since February 2014.

The increase was driven by lower oil prices and a weaker euro. Greek debt talks and the Ukraine conflict continue to weigh on sentiment.

Eurozone's ZEW economic sentiment index rose to 62.4 in March from 52.7 in February, beating expectations for a gain to 58.2.

Eurozone's consumer price index rose 0.6% in February, after a 1.6% decrease in January.

On a yearly basis, Eurozone's final consumer price inflation remained unchanged at 0.3% in February, in line with expectations.

Eurozone's consumer price inflation excluding food, energy, alcohol and tobacco rose to an annual rate of 0.7% in February from a previous estimate of 0.6%. Analysts had expected the index to remain unchanged at 0.6%.

Market participants are anxious that the Fed will drop the word "patient" from its outlook for monetary policy in its March meeting.

Indexes on the close:

Name Price Change Change %

FTSE 100 6,837.61 +33.53 +0.49 %

DAX 11,980.85 -186.87 -1.54 %

CAC 40 5,028.93 -32.23 -0.64 %