European stocks close: stocks increased due to the better-than-expected U.S. durable goods orders

Stock indices increased due to the better-than-expected U.S. durable goods orders. U.S. durable goods orders rose 0.8% in April, after a 2.9% gain in March. March’s figure was revised up to 2.9% from 2.6%. April’s increase of durable goods orders was driven by demand for defence goods

The consumer confidence index in the U.S. climbed to 83.0 in May, from 81.7 in April. April’s figure was revised down from 82.3.

The European Central Bank President Mario Draghi said at the conference in Sintra on Tuesday the ECB is aware of risks from low inflation. He added that the ECB had the tools to get inflation in the Eurozone back close to 2%. His comments have fanned expectations for further stimulus measures by the ECB in June.

Aveva Group Plc shares increased 9.1% after reporting the better-than-expected annual profit.

InterContinental Hotels Group Plc shares climbed 3.7% after the company rejected a takeover bid.

Indexes on the close:

Name                                   Price                                    Change                 Change %

FTSE 100                             6,844.94                           +29.19                      +0.43%

DAX                                     9,940.82                            +48.00                      +0.49%

CAC 40                                4,529.75                               +2.82                      +0.06%