Stock indices closed higher as the Conservatives won the UK's parliamentary election. The Conservative Party with the current Premier Minister David Cameron won 330 seats. It is enough to have a majority in the parliament.

The U.S. labour market data also supported markets. The U.S. economy added 223,000 jobs in April, missing expectations for a rise of 224,000 jobs, after a gain of 85,000 jobs in March. March's figure was revised down from a rise of 126,000 jobs.

The U.S. unemployment rate fell to 5.4% in April from 5.5% in March, in line with expectations. It was lowest level since May 2008.

German industrial production dropped 0.5% in March, missing expectations for a 0.4% rise, after a flat reading in February. February's figure was revised down from a 1.4% increase.

Germany's seasonally adjusted trade surplus narrowed to €19.3 billion in March from €20.0 billion in February. February's figure was revised up from a surplus of €19.7 billion.

The U.K. trade deficit in goods narrowed to £10.1 billion in March from £10.8 billion in February. February's figure was revised down from a deficit of £10.3 billion.

Indexes on the close:

Name Price Change Change %

FTSE 100 7,046.82 +159.87 +2.32 %

DAX 11,709.73 +301.76 +2.65 %

CAC 40 5,090.39 +123.17 +2.48 %