European stocks close: stocks closed higher on the better-than-expected confidence index from the Eurozone

Stock indices closed higher on the better-than-expected confidence index from the Eurozone. The Sentix investor confidence index for the Eurozone rose to 20.0 in April from 18.6 in March, missing expectations for an increase to 20.9.That was the highest level since August 2007.

Eurozone' final services purchasing managers' index (PMI) fell to 54.2 in March from a preliminary reading of 54.3. Analysts had expected the final index to remain unchanged at 54.3.

Germany's final services PMI rose to 55.4 in March from a preliminary reading of 55.3. Analysts had expected the final index to remain unchanged at 55.3.

France's final services PMI declined to 52.4 in March from a preliminary reading of 52.8. Analysts had expected the final index to remain unchanged at 52.8.

Eurozone's producer price index climbed 0.5% in February, exceeding expectations for a 0.1% increase, after a 1.1% decline in January. January's figure was revised down from 0.9% drop.

Concerns over Greece's debt problems continue to weigh on markets. Greece have to repay the International Monetary Fund (IMF) tranche of 448 million euros on April 09. Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis has said that Greece will make a payment to the IMF on time.

Markit's and the Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply's services purchasing managers' index (PMI) for the U.K. increased to 58.9 in March from 56.7 in February, beating expectations for a rise to 57.1.

The rise was driven by an increase in new business.

Indexes on the close:

Name Price Change Change %

FTSE 100 6,961.77 +128.31 +1.88 %

DAX 12,123.52 +156.13 +1.30 %

CAC 40 5,151.19 +77.05 +1.52 %