India, July 25 -- European stocks closed broadly lower on Friday, weighed down by concerns about the progress of trade negotiations, and some disappointing earnings updates. Investors also digested a slew of economic data from the region.
Data showing a less than expected increase in retail sales, and a drop in consumer sentiment weighed on U.K. stocks.
European Union officials are voicing optimism about a possible trade deal with the United States, but U.S. President Donald Trump's position is seen to have hardened ahead of the August 1 deadline.
The member states adopted on Thursday the list of countermeasures targeting €93 billions' worth of U.S. products that will come into effect on August 7 in case the talks fail.
The pan Eu...