European markets rise ahead of US inflation data release

European markets opened higher on Wednesday, while investors in global markets awaited the latest US inflation data.

The European Stoxx 600 index rose by 0.24% to 548.45 points, with almost all major exchanges recording gains, along with most sectors. Food and beverage stocks led the gains, rising 1.06%, while oil and gas stocks fell by 0.62%.

The FTSE 100 in the United Kingdom was flat at 8,779.10 points, and the German DAX index rose by 0.16% to 22,703.93 points. The French CAC 40 index rose by 0.22% to 8,044.57 points.

Shares in Dutch company Heineken jumped 12%, prompting a brief trading halt, after the company reported a better-than-expected rise in operating profit and launched a €1.5 billion ($1.55 billion) share buyback program. The stock was up 11.83% by 08:11 a.m. London time.