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LONDON: Robust oil and mining stocks drove European shares up on Wednesday as investors shrugged off a weaker session in Asia amid rising tensions between the United States and China.
The pan-European STOXX 600 and eurozone STOXX were both up 0.2 percent by 0726 GMT, despite sharp falls in Asian stocks after US President Donald Trump said the United States is taking a "tough stance" with China on trade.
Oil stocks rose 1.2 percent after crude prices climbed thanks to falling US crude inventories, while miners climbed 1 percent.
Individual stocks posted big moves triggered by results and MA speculation.
Dutch biotech firm Galapagos soared 16.2 percent to the top of the STOXX after positive trial results for its filgotinib drug to treat rheumatoid arthritis.
British energy provider SSE sank 8.5 percent after it warned first-half profit would halve compared with last year, calling its financial performance "disappointing and regrettable".
Peer Centrica also fell 3.1 percent.
Shares in Zara owner Inditex meanwhile rose 2 percent to the top of Spain's IBEX after the fashion retailer said it expected profit margin growth in the second half.
Salvatore Ferragamo topped Italy's FTSE MIB with a 4.3 percent rise, after traders cited rumours about a potential MA deal.
The family that controls the fashion group is not interested in selling its stake, a spokeswoman for the group said.
Hexpol shares rose 3.9 percent after the Swedish chemicals firm said it acquired US rubber compounder Kirkhill Rubber.
Broker research also moved some stocks.
German utility E.ON fell 3.5 percent to the bottom of the DAX after Morgan Stanley analysts cut their target price on the stock.
