Stock indices closed lower due to drop of Greek stock index. The Greek ASE Index fell 13% as the Greek government announced today that it would hold presidential elections on Dec. 17. Analysts had not expected this decision. That was the biggest drop since 1987.

Germany's trade surplus climbed to €20.6 billion in October from €18.6 billion in September, exceeding expectations for a decline to €18.1 billion. September's figure was revised up from a surplus of €18.5 billion.

France's trade deficit narrowed to €4.6 billion in October from €4.7 billion in September, missing expectations for a decline to a deficit of €4.5 billion.

Manufacturing production in the U.K. fell 0.7% in October, missing expectations for a 0.2% rise, after a 0.6% gain in September. September's figure was revised up from a 0.4% increase.

Indexes on the close:

Name Price Change Change %

FTSE 100 6,529.47 -142.68 -2.14%

DAX 9,793.71 -221.28 -2.21%

CAC 40 4,263.94 -111.54 -2.55%