European stock markets mid session: stocks traded higher ahead of the release of the Fed’s monetary policy meeting results

Stock indices traded higher ahead of the release of the Fed's monetary policy meeting results. It is unlikely that the Fed will change its monetary policy.

European Central Bank (ECB) Governing Council member Ardo Hansson said on Wednesday that there is no need for further stimulus measures in December.

"I don't see any convincing reason to consider further policy action in December knowing what we know today. If something very fundamental changes, we could perhaps re-evaluate, but now I don't see any need to take such a step," he said.

Meanwhile, the economic data from the Europe was negative. Market research group GfK released its consumer confidence index for Germany on Wednesday. German Gfk consumer confidence index fell to 9.4 in November from 9.6 in October, in line with expectations.

"Although this is the third consecutive drop in the consumer climate and the lowest level since February, the indicator is still very satisfactory. The excellent development of the retail sector is currently an important pillar of the consumer climate," Gfk noted.

French statistical office INSEE released its consumer confidence index for France on Wednesday. French consumer confidence index declined to 96 in October from 97 in September. Analysts had expected the index to remain unchanged at 97.

Current figures:

Name Price Change Change %

FTSE 100 6,391.19 +25.92 +0.41 %

DAX 10,764.02 +71.83 +0.67 %

CAC 40 4,865.63 +18.56 +0.38 %