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Oct 14 (Reuters) - European shares headed lower on Wednesday
after tumbling in the previous session over a halt in COVID-19
vaccine trials and uncertainty over more U.S. stimulus, with
investors also staying away from big bets ahead of talks on a
Brexit trade deal.
The pan-European STOXX 600 .STOXX was down 0.2% by 0708
GMT, with travel and leisure .SXTP and insurance .SXIP
stocks leading early declines.
Although trading in most country indexes was muted, a weaker
pound lifted London's FTSE 100 .FTSE by 0.2% ahead of a
UK-imposed Oct. 15 deadline on Brexit negotiations. Growing
political friction about the impact of new local COVID-19
restrictions has also hit sentiment. .L
The European Union would prefer to have a deal, but it is
ready in case no agreement can be reached, the Commissioner for
the EU's single market said. The Italian bourse .FTMIB was flat as Prime Minister
Giuseppe Conte imposed new restrictions on gatherings,
restaurants, sports and school activities.