Major European stock indices rose on Wednesday, supported by growing expectations of US interest rate cuts and signs of progress in Ukraine peace talks, as investors awaited the UK budget announcement. European stocks edged higher, with local indicators showing particular strength: Germany's and France's main indices each gained 0.5%. The UK's FTSE 100 index rose 0.2% ahead of the budget announcement. The European Stoxx 600 index increased by 0.4% to 570.25 points, logging its strongest daily gains in two weeks. Markets responded positively to the positive sentiment. It is expected that Chancellor Rachel Reeves will unveil billions of pounds in tax hikes.
