Doha: European stocks stabilized on Thursday, as investors awaited the latest indicators from the Federal Reserve (US Central Bank) regarding the path of monetary policy. The pan-European STOXX 600 index was flat as of 07:04 GMT, while most European exchanges showed mixed performance.

According to Qatar News Agency, defense stocks rose 1 percent after having come under pressure this week amid expectations of a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia. In a positive turn, Aker BP shares jumped 3.1 percent following a major oil discovery in the North Sea by the oil-field operator.

Meanwhile, there was a downturn for Novonesis, as shares plunged 7.1 percent. This drop came after the Danish biotechnology company announced its second-quarter results, reflecting investor concerns over the company's financial performance.