European stocks opened with modest gains on Wednesday, as the STOXX 600 index rose 0.1% at the opening bell. The UK's FTSE 100 gained 0.24%, while France's CAC 40 index opened up 0.2%. Germany's DAX index opened essentially flat.

On the individual stock front, semiconductor shares opened lower, with chip equipment suppliers ASML Holding NV, ASM International (ASMI), and BE Semiconductor Industries (BESI) declining 2% to 3%. Milan-listed Stellantis shares fell 2% in early trading. UMICORE SA surged 4.4% following the sale of its gold inventory.