European stocks close: most stocks closed lower despite positive inflation data from the Eurozone

Most stock indices closed lower despite positive inflation data from the Eurozone. The inflation in the Eurozone rose to an annual rate of -0.3% in February from -0.6% in January. Analysts had expected a 0.5% drop.

Eurozone's unemployment rate fell to 11.2% in January from 11.3% in December. Analysts had expected the unemployment rate to climb to 11.4%. December's figure was revised up from 11.4%.

Eurozone's final manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) fell to 51.0 in February from a preliminary reading of 51.1. Analysts had expected the final index to remain unchanged at 51.1.

Germany's final manufacturing PMI increased to 51.1 in February from a preliminary reading of 50.9. Analysts had expected the final index to remain unchanged at 50.9.

France's final manufacturing PMI decreased to 47.6 in February from a preliminary reading of 47.7. Analysts had expected the final index to remain unchanged at 47.7.

Net lending to individuals in the U.K. increased by £2.4 billion in January, after a £2.1 billion gain in December, missing expectations for a rise by £2.8 billion. December's figure was revised down from a £2.2 billion increase.

The number of mortgages approvals in the U.K. increased by 60,786 in January, after a gain by 60,349 in December.

The U.K. manufacturing PMI increased to 54.1 in February from 53.1 in January. January's figure was revised up from 53.0.

The U.K. house price index decreased 0.1% in January, after a 0.3% rise in December.

On a yearly basis, the U.K. house price inflation fell to 5.7% in January from 6.8% in December.

Indexes on the close:

Name Price Change Change %

FTSE 100 6,940.64 -6.02 -0.09 %

DAX 11,410.36 +8.70 +0.08 %

CAC 40 4,917.32 -34.16 -0.69 %