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Stock indices closed higher on speculation the European Central Bank will add further stimulus measures. Eurostat released its inflation data fort the Eurozone on today. The inflation declined to an annual rate of -0.2% in December from 0.3% in November. That was the lowest level since October 2009. Analysts had expected a flat reading.

The decline was driven by falling oil prices. Energy prices dropped 6.3% in December.

The inflation excluding food and energy costs increased to an annual rate of 0.8% in December from 0.7% in November.

These figures are adding to pressure on the ECB. Investors speculate that the European Central Bank could decide on its policy meeting on January 22 to purchase government bonds.

Eurozone's unemployment rate remained unchanged at 11.5% in November, in line with expectations.

The number of unemployed people in Germany declined by 27,000 in December, beating expectations for a 6,000 decline, after a 16,000 drop in November. November's figure was revised up from a 14,000 decrease.

Germany's adjusted unemployment rate fell to 6.5% in December from 6.6% in November. Analysts had expected the unemployment rate to remain unchanged.

German adjusted retail sales climbed 1.0% in November, exceeding expectations for a 0.2% rise, after a 2.0% gain in October. October's figure was revised up from a 1.9% increase.

Political uncertainty in Greece still weighed on the euro.

Indexes on the close:

Name Price Change Change %

FTSE 100 6,419.83 +53.32 +0.84%

DAX 9,518.18 +48.52 +0.51%

CAC 40 4,112.73 +29.23 +0.72%

U.S. stock-index futures rose as investors await minutes from the Federal Reserve's last meeting for clues on the timing of a rate increase.

Global markets:

Nikkei 16,885.33 +2.14 +0.01%

Hang Seng 23,681.26 +195.85 +0.83%

Shanghai Composite 3,374.45 +23.01 +0.69%

FTSE 6,437.77 +71.26 +1.12%

CAC 4,132.76 +49.26 +1.21%

DAX 9,564.63 +94.97 +1.00%

Crude oil $48.50 (+1.19%)

Gold $1210.00 (-0.77%)

(company / ticker / price / change, % / volume)

Upgrades:

American Express (AXP) upgraded to Buy from Neutral at Goldman

Downgrades:

UnitedHealth (UNH) downgraded to Neutral from Buy at Goldman, target lowered from $113 to $109

Other:

European indices added the most in three weeks as data from Eurostat on Eurozone's Consumer Price Inflation showed a negative reading for the first time since October 2009 when it was -0.1%. Consumer prices fell more-than-expected to -0.2%. Analyst forecasted a flat reading of 0.0% in December after +0.2% in November. Disinflation adds pressure on the ECB to start quantitative easing measures rather sooner than later as the ECB wants to keep inflation below but close to 2 percent over the medium term.

The Unemployment Rate in Germany fell to 6.5%, a record low, beating forecast of 6.6%. Last month's reading was 6.6%. Eurozone's Unemployment Rate stayed at 11.5% in line with estimates.

The minutes from December's Federal Reserve policy meeting are due later in the day at 19:00 GMT. The minutes may give further indication on the FED's 'patient' approach on rising benchmark interest rates for the first time since 2006.

In today's session the FTSE 100 index added +0.86% quoted at 6,421.14. France's CAC 40 gained +1.14% trading at 4,130.20. Germany's DAX 30 is currently trading +1.01% at 9,565.64 points.

European indices edge higher in early trading despite falling oil prices and the political turmoil in Greece where the anti-austerity party Syriza could come to power after the elections of January 25^th. Growing concerns over a potential Greek exit from the euro zone weighs but the prospect of for additional easing measures by the ECB supports the markets.

German Retail Sales rose unexpectedly +1.0% in November compared to a forecast of +0.2% and a revised previous reading of +2.1% in October. The Unemployment Rate in Germany fell to 6.5%, a record low, beating forecast of 6.6%. Last month's reading was 6.6%.

All eyes are now on the Eurozone's Harmonized CPI that will show consumer prices declined for the first time in more than five years according to predictions. According to analyst Eurozone's Unemployment Rate will stay unchanged at 11.5%.

The minutes from December's Federal Reserve policy meeting are due later in the day at 19:00 GMT. The minutes may give further indication on the FED's 'patient' approach on rising benchmark interest rates for the first time since 2006.

The FTSE 100 index is currently trading +0.75% quoted at 6,414.23 points, Germany's DAX 30 added +0.62% trading at 9,528.59. France's CAC 40 rose by +0.89%, currently trading at 4,119.99 points.

U.S. markets closed lower for the fifth time on Tuesday as data showed slower growth in the service sector and oil prices continued to slump weighing down the energy sector. The DOW JONES index lost -0.74% closing at 17,371.64 points. The S&P 500 declined by -0.89% with a final quote of 2,002.61 just above the 2,000 points mark after falling intraday below the important level. Investors now await the FED's December minutes today and Nonfarm Payrolls due on Friday. The minutes may give further indication on the FED's 'patient' approach on rising benchmark interest rates for the first time since 2006.

Hong Kong's Hang Seng added +0.93% to 23,703.50 points. China's Shanghai Composite closed at 3,374.45 points, a gain of +0.69% ending the day at new 5-year highs as Petro-China rallied 6 percent. The index rose almost 64% last year.

Japan's Nikkei ended the day flat with a little plus of +0.01% at 16,885.33 after a choppy session ending a four day losing streak.

(index / closing price / change items /% change)

Nikkei 225 16,883.19 -525.52 -3.02%

Hang Seng 23,485.41 -235.91 -0.99%

Shanghai Composite 3,353.01 +2.49 +0.07%

FTSE 100 6,366.51 -50.65 -0.79%

CAC 40 4,083.5 -27.86 -0.68%

Xetra DAX 9,469.66 -3.50 -0.04%

S&P 500 2,002.61 -17.97 -0.89%

NASDAQ Composite 4,592.74 -59.84 -1.29%

Dow Jones 17,371.64 -130.01 -0.74%