Stock indices traded lower on speculation Europe is headed for recession. Several disappointing economic data was released in Germany this week. Four German economic institutes lowered their forecast for Germany's economic growth yesterday.

There is also differences between the European Central Bank (ECB) and Germany. The ECB President Mario Draghi said at the Brookings Institution in Washington yesterday that the central bank is willing to add more stimulus measures if needed. But German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble yesterday warned against further stimulus measures.

France's industrial production was flat in August, beating forecasts of a 0.2% decline, after a 0.3% increase in July. July's figure was revised up from a 0.2% gain.

Current figures:

Name Price Change Change %

FTSE 6,346.45 -85.40 -1.33%

DAX 8,819.18 -185.84 -2.06%

CAC 40 4,076.7 -64.75 -1.56%