European stocks rally for fourth straight session over positive global cue

European shares rose for the fourth straight session on Wednesday, as investors took heart from further signs of recovery in China and progress towards a possible trade deal between Beijing and Washington.

The pan-European index rose 0.7 pct at 0724 GMT, hitting its highest level since Aug. 10. Frankfurt's trade-sensitive DAX outperformed peers, gaining 1.2 per cent. London's FTSE 100 lagged as a firming pound weighed on multi-national exporters, which make the lion's share of their earnings in foreign currencies.

All sectors except the food and beverage index advanced, with basic and resources and auto stocks leading gains. White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow said on Tuesday he expects the United States and China "to make more headway" as the two sides resume trade talks this week.

Also helping sentiment was reports that British Prime Minister Theresa May might seek another Brexit delay to try to agree on an EU divorce deal with the opposition Labour leader. Strong economic data out of China has also helped sentiment. The latest private business survey on Wednesday showed activity in China's services sector had picked up to a 14-month high in March as demand improved at home and abroad.

Another survey indicated activity in Spain's services sector had jumped to its highest level in more than a year in March. Leading gains on the pan-region index were Prosiebensat as traders said the German media company may be among the possible candidates for a cross-border deal with Mediaset.

Banco de Sabadell SA jumped more than 3 per cent as the banking group said it may sell Sabadell Asset Management SA - its asset management company. Shares of luxury goods maker Burberry Group slid 3 per cent, the most on STOXX and the FTSE after JP Morgan analysts cut their full-year profit forecast for the company citing high-exposure to Brexit-related sterling volatility.

In contrast, French luxury goods maker Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton gained after JP Morgan raised its price target on the stock. CMC Markets tumbled 7 per cent after the online trading firm forecast a plunge in net operating income, hurt by lower client trading activity due to regulatory curbs in Europe.

Pandora dipped after the jewellery maker announced its chief operating officer Jeremy Schwartz would be stepping down. Metro rose 1.5 per cent after the German retailer said it is still in talks with several investors, who are interested in buying its Real hypermarkets chain. 

(With inputs from agencies.)