European exchanges close lower except in Italy

By Ovunc Kutlu

ISTANBUL (AA) - European stocks closed lower Thursday, except in Italy.

The STOXX Europe 600, which includes around 90% of the market capitalization of the European market in 17 countries, was down 1.09 points, or 0.21%, to finish at 523.62.

The UK’s FTSE 100 fell seven points, or 0.08%, to 8,438. France’s CAC 40 trimmed 51 points, or 0.63%, to 8,188.

Germany’s DAX was the worst performer of the day, falling 130 points, or 0.69%, to end the session at 18,738.

Spain’s IBEX 35 lost 63 points, or 0.56% to finish the day at 11,299.

Italy’s FTSE MIB, on the other hand, rose almost 44 points, or 0.12%, to 35,410 at the final bell.