(Reuters) – European stocks opened higher on Wednesday thanks to broad gains, with bond yields catching a breath before an important reading on inflation in the United States, while British stock exchanges outperformed after a weak reading on domestic inflation.
By 0809 GMT, the euro rose 0.3 percent, on its way to halt three days of losses.
The UK's more domestically focused mid-cap index jumped 1.4% after data showed British inflation slowed unexpectedly to an annual rate of 2.5% in December from 2.6% in November, with core inflation measures falling more sharply.
The leading stock rose in recent trading by 0.7%, outperforming its European counterparts.
Yields on longer-term European government bonds fell slightly, with the yield on the region's benchmark index reaching 2.602%, on track to snap a 10-day rising streak. (GVD/EUR)
Interest rate-sensitive real estate prices rose 1.6%, while utilities, which are often traded as an alternative to bonds, added 1%.
Later in the day, all eyes will be on the US December consumer price reading, a crucial measure to gauge the path of the Federal Reserve's interest rate as markets remain wary of inflationary risks.
