European stocks edged lower Tuesday, with the region's benchmark pulling back from its biggest rally in two months, as North Korea's latest missile launch dented appetite for risk. Trading volumes on Tuesday were lighter than usual as trading in the U.S. paused for the Independence Day holiday.

U.S. stock futures inched up Tuesday, as traders focused on Independence Day celebrations rather than making big bets. American stock exchanges and the bond market are closed for the holiday, after trading hours were shortened Monday.

Asian share markets were subdued for a second session on Wednesday as simmering tensions on the Korean peninsula supported safe-harbors including the yen, bonds and gold. A holiday in the United States and a dearth of major data kept activity muted, though minutes of the Federal Reserve's last meeting due later in the day could provide some impetus.