Europe open: Shares up ahead of central bank meetings

European shares opened higher again on Wednesday on strong corporate news and ahead of key European and UK central bank meetings on Thursday.

The pan-European Stoxx 600 index was up 0.6% in early deals with all major regional bourses trading higher.

"European markets continue their February ascent, attempting to build on recent bullish momentum after January’s rout,” said Victoria Scholar, head of investment at Interactive Investor.

"The Stoxx 600 is attempting to regain ground with most stocks trading in the green with technology and travel & leisure are at the top of the basket.”

In equity news, online supermarket Ocado gained 6% after a double upgrade to ‘outperform’ by Credit Suisse.

Swedish industrial technology group Hexagon gained 3.5% after beating market expectations with record quarterly earnings.

Shares in German chip supplier Siltronic were higher after the company reported a 17% rise in quarterly earnings and said it expected semiconductor demand to increase.

Novo Nordisk shares were up despite the Danish drug maker missing expectations for fourth-quarter operating profit.

Teamviewer stock saored14% after the company announced a share buyback, while Swedbank fell after lower-than-expected fourth-quarter operating profits.

Telecoms giant Vodafone gained after it reported higher third-quarter services revenue, driven by growth in Europe and Africa as it reiterated annual guidance.

Playtech edged lower after the gambling software group said it was unlikely shareholders would approve a takeover offer by Australia’s Aristocrat Leisure based on proxy counts, and that it was looking at "attractive alternatives" if the deal collapsed.