Major stock markets in Europe edged up at the beginning of Wednesday's trading session with the focus on the coronavirus and recent vaccine news. British Health Secretary Matt Hancock asserted that the pause in the AstraZeneca plc's COVID-19 vaccine trial may not lead to significant delays. The United Kingdom banned gatherings of more than six people in an effort to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

The FTSE 100 was unchanged at the opening bell. Intermediate Capital Group plc jumped 2.05%. The DAX grew just 0.08% concurrently, with Muench. Rueckvers. VNA O.N. rising 0.99%. The CAC 40 increased 0.15% as Groupe Renault advanced 0.80%.

The euro was down 0.11% against the dollar at 8:59 am CET to sell for 1.17652, while the pound tumbled 0.40% to $1.29292 at the same time.