stocks partially offset a jump in miners, while focus remained on the European Central Bank's policy meeting due later this week for signals on the interest rate trajectory.
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The pan-European STOXX 600 index held its ground at 472.66 points, as of 0822 GMT.
Base and precious metal miners jumped 1.4% to lead the advance in sectors, as metal prices gained on report that Chinese authorities were considering to mobilise about 2 trillion yuan ($278.98 billion) to stabilise a bleak stock market.
Industrial stocks edged higher, led by a 2.2% gain in Schindler Holdings after Jefferies upgraded the Swiss elevator maker's stock to «buy» from «hold».
Healthcare stocks shed 0.36%, capping gains on the benchmark index.
Among other movers, shares of Swatch slipped 3.4% after the world's biggest watchmaker missed market estimate for its 2023 results.
On the data front, the euro zone consumer confidence flash estimates are scheduled for release at 1500 GMT.
($1 = 7.1690 Chinese yuan)