European Stocks Mixed Ahead of US Inflation Report

European stock indices opened mixed on Wednesday as investors awaited the release of monthly inflation data from the United States. Higher oil prices provided some support to the market.

In Paris, the CAC 40 index slipped by 0.09 percent, while London's FTSE 100 declined by 0.04 percent. Conversely, Frankfurt's DAX gained 0.26 percent, and Milan's stock index rose by 0.25 percent.

The pan-European STOXX 600 index was nearly flat at 661.26 points. The energy sector led gains with a 0.7 percent rise, while the automobiles and parts sector suffered the largest drop, falling 0.8 percent.