Stock indices traded higher on speculation the Fed's interest rate will remain unchanged for a longer period. The Fed released its minutes from the latest meeting on Wednesday. A tone of the Fed's minutes was dovish.

Some FOMC member expressed concern about the global slowdown and about the impact of a stronger U.S. dollar. Policymakers were concerned that a stronger U.S. dollar might slow the rise in inflation toward the Fed's inflation target of 2%.

Most FOMC members said that interest rate hike will depend on depend on data and not a calendar date.

The Fed minutes could lead to the opinion that the Fed's interest rate will remain low for a longer period.

Germany's trade surplus fell to €17.5 billion in August from €22.2 billion in July, missing expectations for a decline to €18.4 billion.

German exports dropped 5.8% in August. That was the biggest decline since January 2009.

France's trade deficit widened to €5.8 billion in August from €5.5 billion in July, missing expectations for an increase to €5.7 billion.

Current figures:

Name Price Change Change %

FTSE 6,497.06 +14.82 +0.23%

DAX 9,074.17 +78.84 +0.88%

CAC 40 4,169.12 +1.00 +0.02%