European shares advanced on Wednesday, driven by gains in banking shares, as investors eyed potential progress on a trade deal with the United States. The pan-European STOXX 600 rose 1.04 per cent by 9:24 a.m. GMT, with Germany's DAX up 1.02 per cent, France's CAC 40 gaining 1.19 per cent, and Spain's IBEX 35 climbing 1.11 per cent. Meanwhile, the UK's FTSE 100 edged 0.22 per cent higher. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU is working closely with the Trump administration to secure a trade agreement, but is also preparing for all possible outcomes. US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he may send a letter within two days outlining the tariff rate on EU exports, while noting the bloc had been "very nice" in recent negotiations. Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English, Reuters Subediting: Y.Yasser