European shares are stable amid mounting Brexit tension

European stocks stabilized after opening slightly lower, a day after the European Central Bank adopted a less monetary easing tone than expected regarding stimulus, while the growing possibility of a Brexit without an agreement weakened risk appetite.

The pan-European STOXX 600 index settled and is heading towards closing the week with gains.

Most of the major sector indices fell, a day after the European Central Bank kept interest rates stable and said it was closely monitoring the euro.

Oil and gas stocks were among the biggest decliners as crude prices fell.

Swiss frozen bakery maker Arizta jumped 17.3% after it said it was in advanced talks with private equity firm Elliott Advisors over a takeover deal.