European stocks close: stocks traded mixed due to a slowdown of Chinese economy and the escalation of tensions in Ukraine

European stocks traded mixed due to a slowdown of Chinese economy and the escalation of tensions in Ukraine. China’s HSBC manufacturing purchasing managers’ index dropped to 48.1 in April from 48.3 in March. Analysts expected an increase to 48.4. China’s HSBC manufacturing purchasing managers’ index showed a decrease for the fourth month in a row.

Eurozone’s investor confidence released by Sentix declined to 12.8 in March from 14.1 in February. Analysts forecasted an increase to 14.2.

The European Commission warned that the low level of inflation and geopolitical tensions with Russia could have a negative impact on economic recovery.

The stock market in London is closed for a public holiday.

Wincor Nixdorf AG shares declined 5.1% after announcing the worse-than-expected first-half earnings.

Wacker Chemie AG shares decreased 4.1% due to the worse-than-expected first quarter earnings.

Indexes on the close:

Name                                   Price                                    Change                 Change %

FTSE 100                              closed

DAX                                      9,529.5                               -26.52                     -0.28%

CAC 40                                 4,462.69                              +4.52                     +0.10%