European shares fell on Tuesday due to uncertainty ahead of elections in the Netherlands and a US interest rate decision later in the week.

After four days of gains, the pan-European STOXX 600 index eased 0.2 per cent by 0824 GMT, weighed down by banks and basic resources stocks.

Earnings were the main drivers behind stock moves, with shares in German fragrance and flavour firm Symrise declining 2.1 per cent after reporting disappointing results.

German utility RWE was the biggest STOXX gainer, however, jumping nearly 7 per cent after saying that it might cut its stake in networks and renewables unit Innogy to 51 per cent. It did not comment on a report that France's Engie was considering a bid for the company.

Innogy's shares also rose 4.6 per cent.

Britain's FTSE 100 index outperformed, however, gaining 0.2 per cent as sterling hit an 8-week low after British Prime Minister Theresa May won the right to trigger divorce proceedings with the European Union.