European equities traded around the flatline on Wednesday, with the FTSE 100 supported by energy and mining stocks while banking shares weakened, and the DAX 40 hovering near 26,130 as technology stocks and retailers came under pressure. Investors awaited minutes from the FOMC (Federal Open Market Committee), while uncertainty in the Middle East kept sentiment cautious. UK annual consumer price inflation rose to 2.9% in July from 2.6% in June, prompting a modest reduction in expectations for a Bank of England rate hike later this year. The reading was in line with market expectations and was viewed as largely anticipated because of higher energy costs.