Stock indices traded lower as investors are awaiting the U.S. labour market data. Strong data from the U.S. could mean that the Fed may hike its interest rate sooner than expected.

Yesterday's European Central Bank's interest rate cut also weighed on markets. The European Central Bank (ECB) lowered its interest rate to 0.05% from 0.15%. The central bank also cut its deposit facility rate to -0.20% from -0.10% and its marginal lending rate to 0.30% from 0.40%.

The ECB President Mario Draghi said the central bank will start buying asset-backed securities, including covered bonds. Details of the asset-backed securities (ABS) program will be announced later.

Investors monitor any developments on a possible ceasefire agreement for eastern Ukraine.

German industrial production climbed 1.9% in July, exceeding expectations for a 0.5% gain, after a 0.4% rise in June. June's figure was revised up from a 0.3% increase.

Current figures:

Name Price Change Change %

FTSE 100 6,833.42 -44.55 -0.65%

DAX 9,705.66 -18.60 -0.19%

CAC 40 4,478.31 -16.63 -0.37%