2017.03.2906:21:00UTC+00European Shares Slightly Higher as Focus on Brexit Process

European shares inched higher as Britain prepares to formally prompt divorce dealings with the European Union it joined in 1973. Markets were muted as investors focused on the two parties' negotiating positions prior to long and complex discussions.

The STOXX Europe 600 index was up by 0.1 percent, with modest advances propelled by broker upgrades and results. It has climbed 1.9 percent this month, on track for its largest March gain since 2010.

Britain's FTSE 100 index pared gains as much as 0.4 percent as the pound trimmed some of its losses. Wagers for turbulence in the FTSE 100 are near their highest level since early December against expectations for currency volatility.

Merger talks between London Stock Exchange and Deutsche Boerse were postponed after EU antitrust regulators blocked the deal, claiming the size would harm competition. Shares of LSE rose 1.8 percent and Deutsche Boerse climbed 0.3 percent.

Autos led advances on the Stoxx 600, which was 0.53 percent higher. Financial services was up 0.43 percent while basic resources added 0.22 percent. Shares of BHP Billiton rose 1.3 percent and was one of the best performers after reports that it will develop its iron ore deposits.