Stock indices closed higher due to the better-than-forecasted corporate earnings and as tensions over Ukraine eased. A.P. Moeller-Maersk A/S shares increased 4.9% after the company upgraded its full-year profit forecast.

Eurozone's current account surplus dropped to 13.1 billion euros in June from a surplus of 19.8 billion euros in May, missing expectations for an increase to 21.3 billion euros. May's figure was revised up from a surplus of 19.5 billion euros.

Consumer price index in the UK decreased 0.3% in July, a 0.2% rise in June.

On a yearly basis, consumer price inflation the UK rose 1.6% in July, missing expectations for a 1.8% gain, after a 1.9% increase in June.

CPI, excluding food, energy, alcohol, and tobacco costs, jumped 1.8% in July, missing expectations for a 1.9% rise, after a 2.0% gain in June.

BHP Billiton Ltd. shares slid 4.9% after reporting the weaker-than-forecasted annual profit.

Sixt SE shares rose 3.2% after reporting the better-than-forecasted second-quarter earnings.

Indexes on the close:

Name Price Change Change %

FTSE 100 6,779.31 +38.06 +0.56%

DAX 9,334.28 +88.95 +0.96%

CAC 40 4,254.45 +23.80 +0.56%