European stocks close: stocks closed mixed in the absence of any major economic reports from Europe

Stock indices closed mixed in the absence of any major economic reports from Europe.

Oil prices remained in focus. Oil prices rose as market participants were awaiting the meeting between OPEC and non-OPEC countries in Doha on April 17 is likely to be in focus in the coming days. Participants plan to discuss the freeze of the oil output at January levels. There is uncertainty if a deal could be reached. Iran will participate at that meeting but it is unlikely that the country will freeze its oil output. Oil prices are expected to be volatile before the meeting

Market participants also eyed the Chinese inflation data. The Chinese National Bureau of Statistics released its consumer and producer price inflation data for China on Monday. The Chinese consumer price index (CPI) rose at annual rate of 2.3% in March, missing expectations for a 2.5% increase, after a 2.3% gain in February.

The Chinese producer price index (PPI) dropped 4.3% in March, beating expectations for a 4.6% fall, after a 4.9% decline in February.

Indexes on the close:

Name Price Change Change %

FTSE 100 6,200.12 -4.29 -0.07 %

DAX 9,682.99 +60.73 +0.63 %

CAC 40 4,312.63 +9.51 +0.22 %