(Reuters) – European shares rose slightly on Wednesday, led by healthcare and financials heavyweights, while attention remained focused on the trend of global monetary policy in the New Year.
The pan-European index was up 0.2% as of 0821 GMT, hovering near its highest level in three weeks.
Financial services was among the leading subsectors, up 1.1%, with EQT (ST:) up 2.6% after Deutsche Bank (ETR:) upgraded the investment company’s rating from “hold” to “buy”.
Healthcare stocks added 0.4%, with index heavyweight Novo Nordisk (NYSE:) up 1.6%, banks up 0.8% and HSBC up 1.2%.
However, capping gains, yields on German bonds, the region’s benchmark index, fell slightly but hovered near their highest level in two months.
Treasury yields around the world rose along with U.S. Treasuries after data on Tuesday raised concerns that the Federal Reserve could slow the pace of policy easing.
Pluxee shares rose 10.1% after the French vouchers and benefits company reported organic operating revenue growth of 12.1% in the first quarter, beating market expectations.
Shell (LON:) shares fell 1.8% after the energy company cut its LNG production forecast for the fourth quarter.