European stocks close: most stocks closed higher on mostly better-than-expected PMIs from the Eurozone

Most stock indices closed higher on mostly better-than-expected PMIs from the Eurozone. Eurozone's preliminary manufacturing PMI increased to 51.9 in March from 51.0 in February, exceeding expectations for a rise to 51.6.

Eurozone's preliminary services PMI rose to 54.3 in March from 53.7 in February. Analysts had expected the index to climb to 53.9.

Germany's preliminary manufacturing PMI climbed to 52.4 in March from 51.1 in February, beating forecasts of an increase to 51.5.

Germany's preliminary services PMI increased to 55.3 in March from 54.7 in February, beating expectations for a gain to 55.0.

France's preliminary manufacturing PMI was up to 48.2 in March from 47.6 in February, missing forecasts of a rise to 48.9.

France's preliminary services PMI fell to 52.8 in March from 53.4 in February, missing expectations for a decline to 53.1.

The U.K. consumer price index declined to zero in February from 0.3% in January, missing expectations for a fall to 0.1%. That was the lowest level since 1989.

The drop was driven by lower prices for food and computer goods.

U.K. consumer price inflation excluding food, energy, alcohol and tobacco prices fell to 1.2% in February from 1.4% the month before.

The consumer price inflation is below the Bank of England's 2% target.

Indexes on the close:

Name Price Change Change %

FTSE 100 7,019.68 -17.99 -0.26 %

DAX 12,005.69 +109.85 +0.92 %

CAC 40 5,088.28 +33.76 +0.67 %