2018.06.0618:42:00UTC+00European Stocks End Little Changed as Italy Concerns Persist

European equities ended marginally changed Wednesday, with trade mostly affected by concerns over fiscal spending in Italy.

The pan-European Stoxx 600 ended temporarily neutral with sectors and major bourses mixed.

Italy's FTSE MIB, which was under pressure, rebounded on Wednesday, increasing 0.26 percent. New Italian PM Minister Giuseppe Conte presented his coalition's plans to clampdown on immigration and up welfare spending while reducing taxes on Tuesday.

The media firm Schibsted was up by 4.5 percent after a rating upgrade. Meanwhile, WH Smith climbed to the top of the index, with shares rising by almost 7.5 percent after posting a 4 percent increase in sales in the 13-week to June 2. Growth in its travel business helped to counter a fall in high-street sales.

Overall market sentiment was affected by politics, but comments from central bankers also affected the market mood.

The ECB's Chief Economist Peter Praet said the European Central Bank will discuss next week how to wind down its 30 billion euro monthly-purchase program- the first step towards policy normalization.

Also, world trade continues to be a major agenda. On Tuesday, it was announced that U.S. legislators intend to introduce legislation that would prompt President Donald Trump to secure approval from Congress before levies on national security grounds can be put in place.