In initial trade, London's benchmark FTSE 100 index sank almost 0.2 percent to 7,249.01 points.

In the eurozone, the Paris CAC 40 index shed 0.1 percent to 5,388.72 points.

On the upside however, Frankfurt's DAX 30 rose 0.2 percent to stand at 12,110.87, compared with Tuesday's closing levels.