Stock indices traded lower due to concerns over escalating violence in Iraq. Investors monitor closely the situation in Iraq because increasing oil prices could have a negative impact on a global economy.

Concerns over violence in Ukraine also weighed on stock markets.

Market research group Gfk released its consumer climate index for Germany. The consumer climate index is expected to increase to 8.9 in July from 8.6 in June. June's figure was revised up from 8.5. Analysts had expected the index to rise to 8.6.

The Confederation of Business Industry released retail sales for the U.K. The CBI retail sales volume balance dropped to +4 in June from +16 in May. That was the lowest level since November 2013. Analysts had expected an increase to +25.

Indexes on the close:

Name Price Change Change %

FTSE 100 6,733.62 -53.45 -0.79%

DAX 9,867.75 -70.33 -0.71%

CAC 40 4,460.6 -57.74 -1.28%

U.S. stock futures fell as data showed the U.S. economy contracted more than forecast in the first quarter and crises in the Middle East and Ukraine deepened.

Global markets:

Nikkei 15,266.61 -109.63 -0.71%

Hang Seng 22,866.7 -13.94 -0.06%

Shanghai Composite 2,025.5 -8.43 -0.41%

FTSE 6,726.21 -60.86 -0.90%

CAC 4,464.57 -53.77 -1.19%

DAX 9,864.77 -73.31 -0.74%

Crude oil $106.17 (+0.11%)

Gold $1317.50 (-0.30%)

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

Stock indices declined due to escalating violence in the Middle East. Investors monitor closely the situation in Iraq because increasing oil prices could have a negative impact on a global economy.

Market research group Gfk released its consumer climate index for Germany. The consumer climate index is expected to increase to 8.9 in July from 8.6 in June. June's figure was revised up from 8.5. Analysts had expected the index to rise to 8.6.

Current figures:

Name Price Change Change %

FTSE 100 6,745.6 -41.47 -0.61%

DAX 9,901.52 -36.56 -0.37%

CAC 40 4,490.08 -28.26 -0.63%

Asian stock traded lower due to escalating violence in Iraq. Investors monitor closely the situation in Iraq because increasing oil prices could have a negative impact on a global economy.

The Japanese stock index Nikkei 225 declined due to reactions to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's reform plan. His reform plan focuses to encourage Japanese companies to invest more and create more jobs. The government plans to cut the corporate tax rate and to boost the role of working women due to the shrinking workforce in Japan.

The corporate service price index (CSPI) in Japan increased 3.6% in May, exceeding expectations for a 3.2% gain, after a 3.4% rise in April.

Concerns over the health of China's economy also weighed on stock indices in China and Hong Kong.

Indexes on the close:

Nikkei 225 15,266.61 -109.63 -0.71%

Hang Seng 22,866.7 -13.94 -0.06%

Shanghai Composite 2,025.5 -8.43 -0.41%

Nikkei 15,376.24 +6.96 +0.05%

Hang Seng 22,880.64 +75.83 +0.33%

Shanghai Composite 2,033.93 +9.57 +0.47%

S&P 1,949.98 -12.63 -0.64%

NASDAQ 4,350.36 -18.32 -0.42%

Dow 16,818.13 -119.13 -0.70%

FTSE 1,386.75 -1.59 -0.11%

CAC 4,518.34 +2.77 +0.06%

DAX 9,938.08 +17.16 +0.17%