European stock markets open higher before US inflation

European stock markets rebounded at the open on Wednesday ahead of US inflation figures and on the eve of an expected interest-rate cut by the European Central Bank.

London’s FTSE 100 gained almost 0.1 percent to 8,211.56 points despite official data showing the UK economy posted zero growth again in July.

The Paris CAC 40 was up 0.3 percent to 7,428.91 points while the Frankfurt DAX also rose 0.3 percent to 18,324.49.

Investors are looking ahead to US consumer inflation data due later on Wednesday which could shed light on the size of a widely-expected rate cut by the Federal Reserve next week.

The ECB will is also expected to reduce its own borrowing costs on Thursday, its second cut this year. (BSS/AFP)