Europe close: Stocks edge up ahead of Easter break

(Sharecast News) - European stocks were mostly higher on Monday ahead of the long Easter weekend and as investors took stock of a slew of rate decisions during the preceding week and dovish comments from policy makers that sent the Stoxx 600 index to record highs. The pan-regional benchmark index edged up 0.04% to 509.86 with all major Continental bourses following suit as investors looked for direction. although Goldman Sachs lifted its 2024 year-end Stoxx target to 540 from 510, citing potential economic growth and monetary policy easing across central banks.

France's Cac-40 was the exception, ending the day roughly flat at 8,151.60.

In equity news, shares in Direct Line tanked 11% 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 10% as the company announced a debt buyback at a 60% discount as it tried to reassure investors over management of its debt burden.

Ocado retreated after a report over the weekend suggesting the company is under pressure over executive pay after an influential proxy adviser urged shareholders to vote against a new bonus scheme that could see boss Tim Steiner paid as much as £14.8m.