European stock markets mid-session: European indices rise the most in three weeks on increased optimism of QE starting rather sooner than later

European indices added the most in three weeks as data from Eurostat on Eurozone's Consumer Price Inflation showed a negative reading for the first time since October 2009 when it was -0.1%. Consumer prices fell more-than-expected to -0.2%. Analyst forecasted a flat reading of 0.0% in December after +0.2% in November. Disinflation adds pressure on the ECB to start quantitative easing measures rather sooner than later as the ECB wants to keep inflation below but close to 2 percent over the medium term.

The Unemployment Rate in Germany fell to 6.5%, a record low, beating forecast of 6.6%. Last month's reading was 6.6%. Eurozone's Unemployment Rate stayed at 11.5% in line with estimates.

The minutes from December's Federal Reserve policy meeting are due later in the day at 19:00 GMT. The minutes may give further indication on the FED's 'patient' approach on rising benchmark interest rates for the first time since 2006.

In today's session the FTSE 100 index added +0.86% quoted at 6,421.14. France's CAC 40 gained +1.14% trading at 4,130.20. Germany's DAX 30 is currently trading +1.01% at 9,565.64 points.