European stock markets close lower

By Ovunc Kutlu

ANKARA (AA) - European stock markets closed lower Thursday as the value of the euro continues to plummet.

The STOXX Europe 600, which includes around 90% of the market capitalization of the European market in 17 countries, was down 6.31 points, or 1.53%, to finish at 406.50.

The UK’s FTSE 100 fell 116 points, or 1.63%, to close at 7,039.

Germany’s DAX 30 was off 236 points, or 1.86%, to 12,519. France’s CAC 40 fell 84 points, or 1.41%, to 5,915.

Italy’s FTSE MIB was the worst performer of the day, diving 732 points, or 3.44%, to end the day at 20,554.

Spain’s IBEX 35 declined 140 points, or 1.77%, to finish at 7,804.

The euro fell to as low as $0.9952 against the dollar earlier Thursday -- its lowest in almost 20 years.