Stock indices traded higher ahead of the ECB'S and BoE's interest rate decision. The European Central Bank (ECB) will unveil details of its quantitative easing programme. The ECB will also provide new economic forecasts for the Eurozone.

German seasonal adjusted factory orders plunged 3.9% in January, missing expectations for a 0.8% decrease, after a 4.4% rise in December. December's figure was revised up from a 4.2% gain.

The Bank of England (BoE) will also release its interest rate decision on Thursday. Analysts expect the BoE will keep unchanged its monetary policy.

The U.K. Halifax house price index declined 0.3% in February, after a 1.9% gain in January. January's figure was revised up from a 0.3% rise.

Current figures:

Name Price Change Change %

FTSE 100 6,945.96 +26.72 +0.39 %

DAX 11,476.75 +86.37 +0.76 %

CAC 40 4,960.74 +43.39 +0.88 %