European stocks close: most stocks closed lower due to the better-than-expected corporate earnings

Stock indices closed higher due to the better-than-expected corporate earnings. Bayerische Motoren Werke AG shares reported the better-than-expected second-quarter earnings. Credit Agricole SA shares jumped 2.2% after reporting the better-than-expected second-quarter earnings.

Retail sales in the Eurozone climbed 0.4% in June, in line with expectations, after a 0.3% rise in May. May's figure was revised up from 0.0%.

On a yearly basis, retail sales in the Eurozone jumped 2.4% in June, beating expectations for a 1.2% gain, after a 0.6% increase in May. May's figure was revised down from a 0.7% rise.

Eurozone's services purchasing managers' index rose to 54.2 in July from 52.8 in June, missing expectations for an increase to 54.4.

Germany's services purchasing managers' index increased to 56.7 in July from 54.5 in June, exceeding expectations for a rise to 56.6.

France's services purchasing managers' index climbed to 50.4 in July from 48.2 in June, in line with expectations.

Services purchasing managers' index in the UK increased to 59.1 in July from 57.7 in June, beating expectations for a rise to 58.1.

Deutsche Post AG shares climbed 2.2% after posting better-than-projected corporate earnings.

Bilfinger SE dropped 9.7% after the company cut its full-year forecast.

Indexes on the close:

Name Price Change Change %

FTSE 100 6,682.48 +4.96 +0.07%

DAX 9,189.74 +35.60 +0.39%

CAC 40 4,232.88 +15.66 +0.37%