European stock markets settled mixed on Wednesday, backing off their highest levels in more than a year as investors readied for potential signs that borrowing costs are about to rise in the world's largest economy, the U.S.

UK's benchmark index FTSE 100 gained 27.42 points or 0.38 percent to close at 7,302.25. Germany's benchmark index DAX gained 31.10 points or 0.26 percent to end at 11,998.59. French benchmark index CAC 40 gained 7.12 points or 0.15 percent to end at 4,895.88.

On the other hand, Europe's leading Blue-chip index, EURO STOXX 50 0.06 points to settle at 3,339.27.