Europe’s STOXX 600 ekes out gain on defensive boost; H&M jumps By Reuters

By Shristi Achar A and Johann M Cherian (Reuters) -European stocks inched up to close at a record high on Wednesday helped by gains in defensive sectors, while shares of the world’s second-largest listed fashion retailer H&M (ST:) saw their strongest day in nearly nine months on upbeat quarterly results. The pan-European edged up 0.1%, underpinned by firmer utilities and healthcare. Sweden’s…