LONDON — European stocks are expected to open in negative territory on Wednesday as global investors gear up for the U.S. Federal Reserve's interest rate decision.

The U.K.'s FTSE index is seen opening 0.34% lower, Germany's DAX down 0.24%, France's CAC 40 down 0.25% and Italy's FTSE MIB down 0.3%, according to data from IG.

Global markets are awaiting the outcome of the Fed's final meeting of the year on Wednesday.

The central bank is widely expected to deliver its third straight interest rate cut of a quarter percentage point, with Fed Funds futures suggesting an 87.6% chance of a decrease, according to CME's FedWatch tool .

Sentiment among members of the rate-setting Federal Open Market Committee remains divided , however, as some favor

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