European shares end flat with focus on U.S.-China trade deal signing

(Reuters) - European shares ended flat on Wednesday as investors held back from making any big bets ahead of the signing of a Phase 1 trade deal between the United States and China. The pan-European STOXX 600 index closed 0.01% higher after remaining range-bound for most of the day. Defensive plays led gains, with the utilities , healthcare and food & beverage sectors outperforming. U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese Vice Premier Liu He will sign an initial trade deal on Wednesday..