European stocks closed higher on Wednesday as optimism persisted over a potential economic recovery, while markets also kept an eye on geopolitical tensions.

The pan-European Stoxx 600 provisionally closed up around 0.7% at 366.02, with healthcare stocks adding 1.8% to lead gains as most sectors and major bourses ended in positive territory.

European market sentiment is bucking the trend seen in Asia overnight, where stocks traded lower following warnings from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and on concerns surrounding geopolitical flare-ups between neighboring countries in Asia.

Source : CNBC