European stocks end midweek mostly higher

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​By Mucahithan Avcioglu

ISTANBUL (AA) - European stocks closed Wednesday with gains, except for the UK.

The pan-European Stoxx 600 index increased 0.18%, or 0.96 points, to close the day at 541.21.

Germany's DAX 40 index was up 0.49% to end at 23,790.11 and France's CAC 40 rose 0.99% to 7,738.42.

Italy's FTSE MIB index added 0.57% to close at 39,785.28 points.

On the other hand, Britain's FTSE 100 index bucked the trend, falling 0.12% to 8,774.69 points.

Bank shares gained an average of 1.5% and automakers added an average of 1.64%.

Banks in Europe saw their best six-month return since 1997.

The Stoxx 600 Banks index increased by about 30% from January - June.

The relief for European stock markets following a ceasefire in the Middle East gave way to concerns about trade disputes between the US and the EU.

US President Donald Trump's deadline for a deal with the EU will expire July 9.

On the macroeconomic data side, unemployment in the euro area was 6.3% in May, up from 6.2% in April.