Most stock indices traded lower due to weak economic data from Germany and France and a cut in the growth forecasts of Germany's economy. 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.

Four German economic institutes (Ifo in Munich, DIW in Berlin, RWI in Essen and IHW in Halle) cut their forecast for Germany's economic growth to 1.3% in 2014, down from a previous forecast of 1.9%. 2015 forecast was lowered to 1.2%, down from a previous forecast of 2.0%.

The Bank of England (BoE) released its interest rate decision. The BoE kept its interest rates unchanged at 0.5% and its asset purchase program unchanged at £375 billion.

Indexes on the close:

Name Price Change Change %

FTSE 100 6,431.85 -50.39 -0.78 %

DAX 9,005.02 +9.69 +0.11 %

CAC 40 4,141.45 -26.67 -0.64 %