European stock markets rise at open

LONDON: Europe's main stock markets grew solidly at the start of trading on Wednesday following strong gains in Tokyo, as investors looked ahead to any new rate tightening signals from the US Federal Reserve.

London's benchmark FTSE 100 index won 0.4 percent to 7,523.64 points compared with the close on Tuesday.

In the eurozone, Frankfurt's DAX 30 jumped 0.9 percent to 13,342.44 points as the index reopened after a being closed for a public holiday in Germany on Tuesday.

The Paris CAC 40 advanced 0.4 percent to 5,524.38 points and Madrid's IBEX 35 rose 0.5 percent to 10,578.

The Fed is expected to keep US monetary policy unchanged at the conclusion of a two-day meeting Wednesday. But the announcement will be scrutinised for the likelihood of a December rate increase from the central bank.

Looming over the decision is President Donald Trump's announcement due Thursday of his pick to replace Fed Chair Janet Yellen.

Across the Atlantic meanwhile, the Bank of England is widely expected to raise its key interest rate Thursday for the first time since 2007.

On guard against high inflation fuelled by a Brexit-hit weak pound, policymakers are set to increase the BoE's main rate to 0.50 percent from a record-low 0.25 percent.