Germany's benchmark DAX index rises

 The benchmark DAX index at Frankfurt Stock Exchange on Thursday rose slightly and closed at 10,435.73 points.

The European Central Bank (ECB) decided on Thursday to leave interest rates unchanged and did not come up with fresh stimulus.

However, ECB President Mario Draghi indicated at the press conference that the central bank stood ready for further easing measures if necessary.

The blue-chip DAX index rose by 14.44 points, or 0.14 percent.

Volkswagen rose strongly by 5.09 percent. The two utilities companies EON and RWE each advanced by 1.93 percent and 1.12 percent. Deutsche Bank climbed by 1.67 percent. Daimler added 0.8 percent.

On the other hand, Vonovia, a residential real estate company, fell by 3.13 percent. Thyssenkrupp lost 2.19 percent. ProSiebenSat1 Media slipped by 2.04 percent. HeidelbergCement slid by 1.64 percent. Deutsche Lufthansa went down by 1.53 percent.

Volkswagen was the most traded share of the day with a turnover of 519.66 million euros (589.74 million U.S. dollars).