Europe open: Stocks flat as investors digest recent rate moves

(Sharecast News) - European stocks were flat at the open ahead of the Easter long weekend as investors took stock of a slew of rate decisions last week and dovish comments from policy makers that sent the Stoxx 600 index to record highs. The pan-regional benchmark index was largely unchanged in early deals on a quiet day.

In equity news, shares in Direct Line tanked 12.3% after Belgian insurer Ageas said it would not make a further offer for the British home and motor insurer after it rejected two previous proposals.

Swedish real estate group SBB surged 15% as the company announced a debt buyback at a 60% discount as it tried to reassure investors over management of its debt burden.

Reporting by Frank Prenesti for Sharecast.com