China's STAR 50 index widened losses to 1% in afternoon trade after rising more than 2% in early trade.

Head of France's sugar beet growers' association (CGB) said France, the EU's largest beet producer, faces persistent drought that threatens beet yields. Météo‑France forecasts no rain for the Paris region and northern beet-growing plains at least until July 14. Concerns over European beet crops, combined with El Niño, have pushed sugar prices higher; white sugar hit a 9.5-month high on Wednesday. Earlier this year, ample supply drove sugar to a five-plus-year low, squeezing sugar producers' margins.

Google spokesperson on a Swedish court antitrust ruling said the company disagrees with the decision and will consider its legal options.