European equity close: Stock markets hold the line even as the US sinks

Closing changes:

• Stoxx 600 +0.1%
• German DAX -0.1%
• France CAC -0.5%
• UK FTSE 100 +0.1%
• Spain IBEX +0.9%
• Italy’s FTSE MIB +0.6%

European stocks hit highs midway through the session but hawkish comments from Schnabel and Merz shutting down the debt brake excitement were drags, then the US selling hit. But given all that, a near-flat finish is impressive.

This article was written by Adam Button at www.forexlive.com.