European stocks continue to rise with Brexit talks in focus

European stocks gained during morning trading hours today, to extend their gains for the second straight session, thanks to improved investors sentiment, after positive news about progress in the Brexit talks, amid close anticipation for the outcome of the ongoing negotiations between the UK and the EU, ahead of the EU leaders summit on Thursday.

Stoxx Europe 600 was higher by 0.7% as of 11:24 GMT, as it closed higher by 1.1% yesterday, after news about a Brexit deal between the UK and the EU.

The index opened today's session higher, to extend its gains for the second straight session, with most of the major European markets and sectors rising.

The European healthcare sector saw the largest gains today with a surge by more than 0.6%, as most of the sector stocks advanced.

The intensive Brexit talks continued today during Wednesday's morning as British PM Boris Johnson is increasing the talks with Brussels in attempts to reach a deal in time ahead of the EU leaders summit in Brussels tomorrow. 

Several British news agencies reported yesterday that the two sides are on very close on a final deal after the UK made concessions related to the Irish border, and a draft deal may get released on Wednesday if finalized.

S&P 500 futures rose by 0.3% today, as it closed higher by 1% yesterday at Wall Street, thanks to a robust start from the earnings reports season.

The Euro Stoxx 50 index rose by 0.2%, in France the CAC 40 rose by 0.1%, and Germany's DAX rose by 0.3%, while in contrast to the upward trend in the rest of Europe, London's FTSE 100 fell by 0.1%.