Stock indices traded higher as Asian stock indices rose on news from China. China's Finance Ministry announced on Wednesday that it would strengthen fiscal policy to boost the economy.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) released its manufacturing industrial production figures for the U.K. on Wednesday. Manufacturing production in the U.K. decline 0.8% in July, missing expectations for a 0.2% gain, after a 0.2% increase in June.

Manufacturing output was driven by a drop in the vehicle production.

On a yearly basis, manufacturing production in the U.K. decreased 0.5% in July, missing forecast of a 0.5% gain, after a 0.5% rise in June.

Industrial production in the U.K. dropped 0.4% in July, missing forecasts of a 0.1% rise, after a 0.4% fall in June.

On a yearly basis, industrial production in the U.K. gained 0.8% in July, missing expectations for a 1.4% rise, after a 1.5% increase in June.

The U.K. trade deficit in goods widened to £11.1 billion in July from £8.51 billion in June.

Exports of goods fell 9.2% in July, the biggest decline in percentage terms since July 2006, while imports rose 0.8%.

The rise in the trade deficit was driven by a decline in exports of chemicals and manufactured goods.

The total trade deficit, including services, widened to £3.37 billion in July from £0.82 billion in June. June's figure was revised up from a deficit of £1.6 billion.

Current figures:

Name Price Change Change %

FTSE 100 6,258.9 +112.80 +1.84 %

DAX 10,456.79 +185.43 +1.81 %

CAC 40 4,705.74 +107.48 +2.34 %