Stock indices closed higher on the better-than-expected manufacturing PMIs from the Eurozone. Eurozone's final manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) rose to 52.2 in March from a preliminary reading of 51.9. Analysts had expected the final index to remain unchanged at 51.9.

Germany's final manufacturing PMI increased to 52.8 in March from a preliminary reading of 52.4. Analysts had expected the final index to remain unchanged at 52.4.

France's final manufacturing PMI climbed to 48.8 in March from a preliminary reading of 48.2. Analysts had expected the final index to remain unchanged at 48.2.

Concerns over Greece's debt problems continue to weigh on the euro.

The U.K. manufacturing PMI increased to 54.4 in March from 54.0 in February, missing expectations for a rise to 54.5. February's figure was revised down from 54.1.

Indexes on the close:

Name Price Change Change %

FTSE 100 6,809.5 +36.46 +0.54 %

DAX 12,001.38 +35.21 +0.29 %

CAC 40 5,062.22 +28.58 +0.57 %