European Shares Hold Steady Amid Anticipation of Fed Minutes

European shares remained steady on Wednesday as investors awaited the release of the U.S. Federal Reserve's July meeting minutes. The pan-European STOXX 600 index maintained its level, driven by gains in basic resources. Raw material tightness boosted Shanghai aluminium futures, while U.S. labor data revisions and individual stock movements also impacted the market.

European shares held steady on Wednesday as investors anticipated the release of the U.S. Federal Reserve's July meeting minutes, looking to gauge the sentiment of policymakers.

The pan-European STOXX 600 index was unchanged at 512.74 points by 0711 GMT, having ended a five-day rise in the prior session. Regional bourses opened flat but inched up between 0.1% and 0.2%.

Basic resources saw a 1.2% uptick as Shanghai aluminium futures reached a five-week high due to raw material supply constraints. With no European data out on Wednesday, investors are keenly awaiting the Fed minutes expected to confirm a dovish stance.

Preliminary revisions to U.S. labor data are set for later release, with a significant downward adjustment anticipated. Among stocks, Voestalpine led gains, climbing 3.8% after Morgan Stanley's rating upgrade. Conversely, Alcon fell 2.2% following a disappointing Q2 sales report, and Sonova Holding AG declined by 3.2% after a downgrade.

(With inputs from agencies.)