European stocks close: stocks closed lower as concerns over the situation in Yemen weighed on markets

Stock indices closed lower as concerns over the situation in Yemen weighed on markets. Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states launched airstrikes against Iranian-backed Houthi rebel positions in Yemen.

The Gfk German consumer confidence index increased to 10.0 in April from 9.7 in March, beating forecasts for a rise to 9.8.

Eurozone's adjusted M3 money supply rose 3.7% in February, missing expectations for a 4.3% increase, after a 3.7 gain in January. January's figure was revised down from a 4.1% rise.

Retail sales in the U.K. increased 0.7% in February, exceeding expectations for a 0.4% rise, after a 0.1% gain in January. January's figure was revised up from a 0.3% drop.

The increase was driven by a drop in store prices.

On a yearly basis, retail sales in the U.K. climbed 5.7% in February, after a 5.9% increase in January. January's figure was revised up from a 5.4% rise.

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) retail sales balance climbed to 18% in March from 1% in February, missing expectations for an increase to 20%.

The CBI director of economics, Rain Newton-Smith, said that he expects "growth to continue through Easter".

Indexes on the close:

Name Price Change Change %

FTSE 100 6,895.33 -95.64 -1.37 %

DAX 11,843.68 -21.64 -0.18 %

CAC 40 5,006.35 -14.64 -0.29 %