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Important information: The value of investments can go down as well as up so you may get back less than you invest. Investors should note that the views expressed may no longer be current and may have already been acted upon. This is a third-party news feed and may not reflect Fidelity’s views.

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.

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Important information: This information is not a personal recommendation for any particular investment. If you are unsure about the suitability of an investment you should speak to one of Fidelity’s advisers or an authorised financial adviser of your choice. When you are thinking about investing in shares, it’s generally a good idea to consider holding them alongside other investments in a diversified portfolio of assets. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns.

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