Britain's key services sector shrank in March for the first time since July 2016, with activity slammed by Brexit turmoil and flat economic growth, a leading survey showed on Wednesday.

File photos: VCG

The purchasing managers' index (PMI) for services fell from 51.3 in February to 48.9 in March, according to IHS Markit, which compiles the data. A reading below 50 indicates contraction.

Meanwhile, Chinese stocks closed higher on Wednesday, with the benchmark Shanghai Composite Index up 1.24 percent, at 3,216.3 points.

The Shenzhen Component Index closed 0.78 percent higher at 10,340.51 points.