European stocks rose on Wednesday, supported by bank and mining shares, ahead of the Federal Reserve's expected pause in interest rate hikes. The European Stoxx 600 index closed up 0.4%.
Bank stocks climbed 1.1%, while the Italian banking index increased by 0.9%, and the Spanish banking index rose by 1.1%, leading gains in major regional indices.
All traders expect the Federal Reserve to keep interest rates in the range of 5 to 5.25% later on Wednesday, while there is a 60% chance of a rate hike in July.
Mining stocks were at the forefront of sector gains, rising 2.3% as copper prices increased due to a weaker dollar. Additionally, expectations for increased stimulus to support economic growth in China boosted sentiment.
The Financial Times 100 index in London closed up by 0.1%.
