European shares steady after hefty losses amid ECB hike fears

European equities have had a weak start to the second half as concerns about higher rates and slowing growth linger

The European Central Bank faces a tough job deciding when to stop hiking, the OECD said.

European stocks steadied after dropping the most since March last week, with investors bracing for the earnings season and ahead of US inflation figures that are likely to show prices are cooling.

The Stoxx Europe 600 closed slightly higher, erasing earlier losses, with gains for travel and leisure companies, while utilities and property firms lagged behind.