Most stock indices traded higher ahead of U.S. economic data and the speech of the European Central Bank President Mario Draghi.

U.K. mortgage approvals climbed by 42,200 in April, missing expectations for a 45,200 gain. March’s figure was revised down to a 45,000 rise from a previously estimated 45,900 increase.

Aveva Group Plc shares increased 12.0% after reporting the better-than-expected annual profit.

InterContinental Hotels Group Plc shares climbed 5.2% after the company rejected a takeover bid.

Current figures:

Name                                   Price                                    Change                 Change %

FTSE 100                             6,849.09                           +37.01                      +0.37%

DAX                                     9,929.83                            +91.38                      +0.94%

CAC 40                                4,525.93                               -1.00                      -0.02%