European stocks hold steady as investors await Jackson Hole meeting
European stocks barely budged on Thursday, with the STOXX 600 holding steady.
Investors are keeping a close watch on the US Federal Reserve's Jackson Hole symposium, hoping for clues about where interest rates might go next.
Early trading was a mixed bag, with most major bourses showing varied performances.
Investors are on edge ahead of the Jackson Hole meeting
The big question is whether Fed Chair Jerome Powell will signal rate cuts this year—something that could shake up global markets.
Meanwhile, everyone's waiting for fresh economic data from Europe and the UK to see how things are really going.
Defense stocks edge up after being under pressure earlier this week
Aker BP shares jumped after a major North Sea oil find, while Danish biotech Novonesis tumbled after posting second-quarter results—showing just how mixed investor mood is right now.
Defense stocks also edged up after being under pressure this week on expectations of a Ukraine-Russia peace deal, but uncertainty lingers with Germany cautious about sending peacekeepers and Russia dismissing talks that leave them out.