European shares headed lower on Wednesday after tumbling in the previous session over a halt in COVID-19 vaccine trials and uncertainty over more US stimulus, with investors also staying away from big bets ahead of talks on a Brexit trade deal.
The pan-European STOXX 600 was down 0.2% by 0708 GMT, with travel and leisure and insurance stocks leading early declines.
Although trading in most country indexes was muted, a weaker pound lifted London's FTSE 100 by 0.2% ahead of a UK-imposed Oct. 15 deadline on Brexit negotiations. Growing political friction about the impact of new local COVID-19 restrictions has also hit sentiment.
The European Union would prefer to have a deal, but it is ready in case no agreement can be reached, the Commissioner for the EU's single market said.
The Italian bourse was flat as Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte imposed new restrictions on gatherings, restaurants, sports and school activities.