European Markets Await Fed's Interest Rate Decision Amidst Mixed Performance

European shares dipped as investors await the U.S. Federal Reserve's interest rate decision, which could signal the start of monetary easing. The pan-European STOXX 600 index dropped due to losses in healthcare and technology shares. Key market movements were observed ahead of the Fed's announcement and euro zone's inflation data release.

European shares edged lower on Wednesday as investors held back, anticipating the critical interest rate decision from the U.S. Federal Reserve. The move could herald the onset of a monetary-easing cycle in the world's largest economy.

The pan-European STOXX 600 index saw a 0.2% decline to 516.15 points, with healthcare stocks dragging down the index following reports suggesting Novo Nordisk's Ozempic may face price cuts in the U.S. The Danish pharmaceutical giant's shares were down 1.7%.

Technology stocks contributed to the market downturn with a 0.7% drop, while miners fell by 0.5%. Markets across Europe traded flat to lower. The UK's FTSE 100 dipped 0.3%, influenced by stagnant annual inflation and rising services sector prices.

Investor attention remained fixed on the U.S. central bank's expected interest rate cut, which could be a 50 basis point reduction, according to CME's FedWatch Tool. Market experts anticipate this move as a measure to preempt negative labor market trends despite calming inflation concerns.

In stock-specific movements, Italy's Campari slid 6.1% following the unexpected resignation of its CEO, Matteo Fantacchiotti. Meanwhile, France's Ubisoft Entertainment surged nearly 5% after receiving an upgraded rating from BMO Capital Markets. Reckitt Benckiser saw a 1.3% rise amid reports of potential asset sales valued at over £6 billion.

(With inputs from agencies.)