Stock indices closed higher as E.ON and Swiss Life posted the better-than-forecasted earnings.

Eurozone's industrial production declined 0.3% in June, missing forecasts of a 0.5% rise, after a 1.1% fall in May.

The unemployment rate in the UK decreased to 6.4% in in the three months to June, in line with expectations, down from 6.5% a month earlier. That was the lowest level since late 2008.

The claimant count declined by 33,600 people in July, exceeding expectations for a fall of 29,700, after a decrease of 39,500 people in June.

But the average earnings index, including bonuses, fell by 0.2% in the three months to June, missing expectations for a 0.1% decrease, after a 0.4% rise in the three months to May. That was first negative average earnings index since March-May 2009.

The cut of forecast for wage growth in 2014 by the Bank of England weighed on markets. The BoE lowered its forecast to 1.25% from 2.5%.

Investors continue to monitor tensions between Russia and Ukraine. Ukraine plans to block a Russian humanitarian aid convoy.

E.ON shares jumped 5.1% after reporting the first-half net income beat analysts' forecast.

Merck KGaA shares increased 3.2% after reporting the better-than-forecasted second-quarter earnings.

Swiss Life Holding AG shares 7.1% after reporting the better-than-forecasted first-half profit. The company also said that it will buy real estate asset manager Corpus Sireo.

Indexes on the close:

Name Price Change Change %

FTSE 100 6,656.68 +24.26 +0.37%

DAX 9,198.88 +129.41 +1.43%

CAC 40 4,194.79 +32.63 +0.78%

U.S. stock futures rose despite data showed retail sales were little changed last month and investors assessed corporate earnings reports.

Global markets:

Nikkei 15,213.63 +52.32 +0.35%

Hang Seng 24,890.34 +200.93 +0.81%

Shanghai Composite 2,222.88 +1.28 +0.06%

FTSE 6,640.75 +8.33 +0.13%

CAC 4,183.6 +21.44 +0.52%

DAX 9,148.81 +79.34 +0.87%

Crude oil $97.35 (-0.02%)

Gold $1314.00 (+0.27%)

(company / ticker / price / change, % / volume)

Upgrades:

Ford Motor (F) upgraded to Buy from Hold at Stifel, target $22

Downgrades:

Other:

Stock indices traded higher as E.ON and Swiss Life shares increased.

Eurozone's industrial production declined 0.3% in June, missing forecasts of a 0.5% rise, after a 1.1% fall in May.

The unemployment rate in the UK decreased to 6.4% in in the three months to June, in line with expectations, down from 6.5% a month earlier. That was the lowest level since late 2008.

The claimant count declined by 33,600 people in July, exceeding expectations for a fall of 29,700, after a decrease of 39,500 people in June.

But the average earnings index, including bonuses, fell by 0.2% in the three months to June, missing expectations for a 0.1% decrease, after a 0.4% rise in the three months to May. That was first negative average earnings index since March-May 2009.

The cut of forecast for wage growth in 2014 by the Bank of England weighed on markets. The BoE lowered its forecast to 1.25% from 2.5%.

Investors continue to monitor tensions between Russia and Ukraine. Ukraine plans to block a Russian humanitarian aid convoy.

E.ON shares jumped 4.6% after reporting the first-half net income beat analysts' forecast.

Swiss Life Holding AG shares rose after reporting the better-than-forecasted first-half profit. The company also said that it will buy real estate asset manager Corpus Sireo.

Current figures:

Name Price Change Change %

FTSE 100 6,663.48 +31.06 +0.47%

DAX 9,171.44 +101.97 +1.12%

CAC 40 4,195.79 +33.63 +0.81%

Most Asian stock closed higher and extend gains for third day. Market participants were focused on corporate earnings.

China's industrial production increased 9.0% in July, missing forecasts of a 9.1% rise, after a 9.2% gain in June.

Fixed asset investment in China rose 17% in July, missing expectations for a 17.4% gain, after a 17.3% increase in June.

New loans in local currency in China were 385.2 billion yuan in July, down from June's 1,080 billion yuan and well below expectations of 780 billion yuan. That was the lowest level since December 2009.

Retail sales in China climbed 12.2% in July, missing expectations for a 12.5% increase, after 12.4% rise in June.

Investors speculate that the government in China will add stimulus measures to support the economy.

Japan's preliminary gross domestic product dropped 1.7% in the second quarter, in line with expectations, after a 1.5% gain in the first quarter. The first quarter figure was revised down from a 1.6% rise.

The decline of GDP was driven by the tax hike in April.

On a yearly basis, Japan's preliminary gross domestic product slid 6.8% in the second quarter, after a 6.1% rise in the first quarter. The first quarter figure was revised down from a 6.7% increase.

The Bank of Japan released minutes from the BoJ's meeting on July 14 and 15. The central bank said that the country's economic recovery remains on track. The BoJ added that it will continue with the quantitative and qualitative monetary easing, aiming to achieve the inflation target of 2%.

Investors continue to monitor tensions between Russia and Ukraine. Ukraine plans to block a Russian humanitarian aid convoy.

Indexes on the close:

Nikkei 225 15,213.63 +52.32 +0.35%

Hang Seng 24,890.34 +200.93 +0.81%

Shanghai Composite 2,222.88 +1.28 +0.06%