(For a Reuters live blog on U.S., UK and European stock
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Dec 16 (Reuters) - European shares extended gains to a third
straight session on Wednesday on rising hopes of a Brexit trade
deal and the possible roll-out of a COVID-19 vaccine in the
continent before the new year.
The pan-European STOXX 600 index .STOXX rose 0.5%, with
eyes on flash PMIs for December due in the morning session.
Expectations are for a slight improvement in business activity
over the previous month.
The optimism in Europe follows an upbeat session in Asia
after a strong close on Wall Street overnight with the Nasdaq
hitting yet another record on growing prospect of more U.S.
fiscal stimulus. MKTS/GLOB
Investors will also be watching for the outcome of the U.S.
Federal Reserve's two-day meeting. The decision is due after
European markets hours, at 2 p.m. ET (1900 GMT).