European stock markets edged higher Wednesday, helped by positive corporate earnings, particularly in the banking sector, ahead of the conclusion of the latest Federal Reserve meeting. Lloyds (LON:LLOY) stock climbed 4% and the U.K. bank also reported a strong quarterly result, with profit after tax of 1.4 billion pounds ($1.9 billion), supported by the release of expected credit loss provisions, given the improved economic outlook. Away from the banking sector, Dassault Systemes (PA:DAST) stock rose 0.6% to an all-time high, after the French software company posted a rise in both operating profit and revenue in the first quarter.
