Stock indices closed lower as concerns over the situation in Yemen weighed on markets. Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states launched airstrikes against Iranian-backed Houthi rebel positions in Yemen.

The Gfk German consumer confidence index increased to 10.0 in April from 9.7 in March, beating forecasts for a rise to 9.8.

Eurozone's adjusted M3 money supply rose 3.7% in February, missing expectations for a 4.3% increase, after a 3.7 gain in January. January's figure was revised down from a 4.1% rise.

Retail sales in the U.K. increased 0.7% in February, exceeding expectations for a 0.4% rise, after a 0.1% gain in January. January's figure was revised up from a 0.3% drop.

The increase was driven by a drop in store prices.

On a yearly basis, retail sales in the U.K. climbed 5.7% in February, after a 5.9% increase in January. January's figure was revised up from a 5.4% rise.

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) retail sales balance climbed to 18% in March from 1% in February, missing expectations for an increase to 20%.

The CBI director of economics, Rain Newton-Smith, said that he expects "growth to continue through Easter".

Indexes on the close:

Name Price Change Change %

FTSE 100 6,895.33 -95.64 -1.37 %

DAX 11,843.68 -21.64 -0.18 %

CAC 40 5,006.35 -14.64 -0.29 %