Europe opens higher after economic data

European equities opened in positive territory on Wednesday as the COVID-19 pandemic remained in focus.

Earlier, growth in the United Kingdom’s housing market showed signs of slowing down in June as house prices declined on the month, while Germany's industrial production slipped 0.3% in May, according to the latest economic data reports.

The DAX jumped 0.62% at the start of the session in Frankfurt as HeidelbergCement surged over 4%. Meanwhile, the CAC 40 rose 0.35% with Airbus leading the gains. In London, the FTSE 100 added 0.15% as Shell climbed over 2% on news that the oil giant will boost its returns to shareholders. The euro was up 0.03% against the dollar at 9:05 am CET, buying 1.18234.

Baha Breaking News (BBN) / JC