European stocks close: stocks closed higher as technology shares climbed

Stock indices closed higher as technology shares climbed.

Concerns over Greece's debt problems remained to weigh on markets. The Greek government is expected to submit its new reform programme.

Ratings agency Fitch lowered Greece's credit rating 'CCC' from 'B' on Friday. The cut was driven by Greek liquidity problems.

German preliminary consumer price index rose 0.5% in March, exceeding expectations for a 0.4% increase, after a 0.9% gain in February.

On a yearly basis, German preliminary consumer price index increased to 0.3% in March from 0.1% in February, in line with expectations.

Consumer prices rose as energy prices rebounded in March.

Net lending to individuals in the U.K. increased by £2.5 billion in February, in line with expectations, after a £2.4 billion gain in January.

The number of mortgages approvals in the U.K. rose to 60,760 in February from 60,707 in January, missing expectations for an increase to 62,000. It was the highest level since August 2014.

Indexes on the close:

Name Price Change Change %

FTSE 100 6,891.43 +36.41 +0.53 %

DAX 12,086.01 +217.68 +1.83 %

CAC 40 5,083.52 +49.46 +0.98 %