Results, German growth lift European shares ahead of U.S. inflation data

© Reuters. Results, German growth lift European shares ahead of U.S. inflation data

LONDON, Feb 14 (Reuters) - European shares rose in early trading on Wednesday ahead of the release of crucial U.S. inflation data which could soothe, or inflame, fears of faster rate hikes which triggered a sharp correction in equity markets.

The pan-European STOXX 600 .STOXX index was up 0.6 percent by 0825 GMT with most bourses and sectors in positive territory as a strong set of corporate results and robust economic growth in Germany lifted shares while traders awaited the U.S. numbers. a slightly higher number could set the cat among the pigeons given the late cycle stimulus the Trump Administration is pumping into the U.S. economy," Greg McKenna, chief market strategist at CFD and FX provider AxiTrader, said.

Shares in food packaging group Huhtamaki HUH1V.HE led the pan-European index's gainers, rising 9 percent after it released fourth quarter results.

In the banking sector, Credit Suisse CSGN.S was a clear leader, up 2.7 percent, after it posted a third straight annual loss which was smaller than expected. investment bank Natixis CNAT.PA followed closely, gaining 2.1 percent after reporting an unexpected rise in quarterly net profit. Gallic peer Credit Agricole CAGR.PA , on the other hand, was down 1.9 percent after releasing its results.

Other French stocks were among the top performers with French retirement home operator Orpea ORP.PA up 6 percent and heading for its best day in more than 18 months after reporting a solid outlook.