European markets were higher Wednesday, with investors awaiting the next interest rate decision from the U.S. Federal Reserve.

The Stoxx 600 index was ended 0.7% higher, continuing positive momentum from the start of the week despite coming off the back of its worst monthly performance since September 2022.

Retail stocks climbed 1.8% after U.K. clothing and homeware group Next hiked its profit outlook for the fourth time in six months.

Shares of Aston Martin plunged as much as 13%, meanwhile, after the luxury carmaker posted a bigger-than-expected quarterly loss and cut its volume target.

Central bankers are largely expected to hold rates steady, with fed funds futures pricing suggesting a more than 97% probability that rates will remain at current levels, according to the CME FedWatch Tool.

Source : CNBC