European markets closed higher Wednesday as investors look ahead to a widely expected announcement of a pause in rate hikes from the Federal Reserve.

The benchmark Stoxx 600 index provisionally ended 0.5% higher, with most sectors in positive territory. Mining stocks climbed 2.5% to lead gains, while travel and leisure stocks dipped 1.1%.

Figures on Wednesday showed the U.K. economy grew by 0.2% in April, in line with expectations, with growth driven by services.

Sterling gained 0.6% against the U.S. dollar and 0.5% against the euro. Meanwhile, the yield on 2-year U.K. government bonds dipped 3 basis points to 4.853% after shooting to its highest level since 2008 on Tuesday on the back of a strong jobs report showing record wage growth.

Source : CNBC