European equity markets closed in negative territory on Wednesday, with the Milan Stock Exchange falling 0.85% to lead losses across the continent.
The broad Stoxx 600 index declined 0.3%, extending a period of volatility that has seen industrial and technology sectors underperform in recent sessions.
Brent crude oil, which had rallied over the previous two days, slowed its ascent and hovered near $84 per barrel.
Only the Paris market managed to stay above the parity line, offering a rare bright spot in an otherwise subdued trading day.
The sell-off was compounded by a pullback in energy prices.
Brent crude oil, which had rallied over the previous two days, slowed its ascent and hovered near $84 per barrel.
The softening in oil prices removed a key support pillar for energy stocks, contributing to the broader market weakness.