European stocks stabilize and Croda shares lead losses after earnings expectations

European stocks settled on Friday, at the end of a week of weak trading, which witnessed reluctance by investors before the issuance of the latest decisions of major central banks.

Croda shares led the main index losses after lukewarm earnings expectations.

The European Stoxx 600 index settled at 460.57 points by 0718 GMT, and is heading to end the week without achieving significant gains.

In the coming days, investors will focus on the Federal Reserve and European Central Bank monetary policy meetings.

Shares in Croda International fell 11 percent to lead the losses of stocks listed on the Stoxx 600 index, after the British chemical company expected its annual profit before taxes to be less than expected.

The broader European chemicals index fell 1.3 percent, leading sectoral losses.