Europe open: Shares flat ahead of US jobs data

The pan-European Stoxx 600 was flat in early trade with regional bourses following suit.

Shares in Asia-Pacific were also mixed overnight as rising cases of the Covid Delta variant continued to weigh on sentiment, while investors were also eyeing the release of US jobs data later in the day.

In equity news, shares in Maersk rose as the world’s largest container shipping firm posted a sharp increase in second-quarter earnings as congestions and bottlenecks continue to drive up shipping rates.

German insurer Allianz rose as the company beat second-quarter profit expectations with €2.225bn in net income, as it raised its outlook and announced €750m share buyback program.

London Stock Exchange shares topped the index after it reported a 4.6% rise in first-half income.

Shares of German meal kit delivery company Hellofresh dropped more than 7% to the bottom of the European blue chip index as it said it was accelerating investments and lowering profits forecasts.