European stock markets closed lower on Thursday, except for Italy's stock exchange.

The STOXX Europe 600, which includes around 90% of the market capitalization of the European market in 17 countries, fell 0.37 point, or 0.08%, to 476.99.

London's FTSE 100 lost 15.79 points, or 0.22%, to end at 7,321.

Germany's DAX 30 was off 47 points, or 0.3%, to 15,639. France's CAC 40 fell 6 points, or 0.1%, to 7,008.

Spain's IBEX 35 decreased 78 points, or 0.93%, to close at 8,399.

Italy's FTSE MIB 30 was the only gainer of the day, rising 65 points, or 0.24%, to end the day at 26,817./aa