European equities closed lower on Wednesday as traders assessed the extension of the US-Iran ceasefire, economic conditions and a series of corporate earnings. The pan-European Stoxx 600 index fell 0.4%.Germany halved its economic growth forecast for this year and said it now expects domestic economic growth of 0.5% for the year. Germany's DAX index closed down 75 points, or 0.3%, at 24,194.Meanwhile, the UK's FTSE 100 index closed down 21 points, or 0.2%, at 10,476. France's CAC 40 index fell 79 points, or 1%, to 8,156.On the corporate front, Dutch semiconductor equipment maker ASM International (ASMI) reported revenue that beat expectations, with its shares rising 1%. L'Oreal posted a 7.6% increase in same-store sales for the first quarter, supported by strong business in Europe and the US, and its shares were steady. (me/s)
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