Most stock indices traded lower due to the weak German retail sales and speculations over further stimulus measures from the European Central Bank.

The German adjusted retail sales dropped 0.9% in April, after a 0.7% decline in March. Analysts had expected a 0.4% rise.

The unadjusted retail sales in Germany climbed 3.4% in April, after a decrease of 1.9% in March.

Societe Generale SA shares decreased 2.1% after its Russian unit posted a drop in first-quarter profit.

BNP Paribas SA shares declined 2.9% due to the company may be forced to pay a penalty exceeding $10 billion in the U.S.

Indexes on the close:

Name                                   Price                                    Change                 Change %

FTSE 100                             6,844.51                             -26.78                      -0.39%

DAX                                     9,943.27                               +4.37                      +0.04%

CAC 40                                4,519.57                              -10.94                      -0.24%