European shares edged higher on Wednesday as a decline in oil prices supported investor sentiment, while markets awaited key business activity data that could offer fresh clues about the health of the region's economy.
The pan-European STOXX 600 rose 0.4% to 645.04 points by 0708 GMT, with most major regional markets also trading in positive territory, Reuters reported.
Eurozone PMI in Focus
Investors were awaiting S&P Global's flash September purchasing managers' index (PMI) survey for the euro zone. The data is expected to provide an indication of business activity and offer further insight into the strength of the region's economy.
Aerospace and defence stocks led sectoral gains, with Saab and Exosens among the strongest performers.
Oil Prices Decline
Oil prices extended their losses as investors assessed the possibility of increased supplies from the Gulf region after Saudi Arabia restarted operations at a key pipeline, Reuters reported.
Despite the decline in crude prices, European energy stocks gained 0.8%.
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KWS Shares Fall After Sales Miss
Among individual stocks, KWS shares fell 6.1% after the German seed producer reported a 3% decline in annual net sales to 1.63 billion euros ($1.86 billion).
The result missed the 1.68 billion euro estimate compiled by IBES, with the company affected by lower acreage for sugar beet and corn, according to Reuters.
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Adyen Slips on CFO Appointment
Shares of Dutch payments processor Adyen slipped about 2% after the company appointed Niclas Neglen from Klarna as its next chief financial officer.
Neglen will take over as CFO on February 1, 2027, according to a report by Reuters.
