European stocks firm amid concerns about the US debt ceiling

European stocks were little changed at the opening today, Monday, while concerns about reaching an agreement on the US debt ceiling and the outlook for US and European monetary policies affected sentiment.

According to “Reuters”, the European Stoxx 600 index stabilized after touching the highest level in more than a year on Friday.

The banking and mining sectors were among the biggest losers, while healthcare stocks rose

The German DAX index of leading stocks fell 0.1 percent, after hitting an all-time high in the previous session.

Shares of European chipmakers came under pressure after China’s cyberspace regulator said products for US memory chip maker Micron Technology had failed a network security review and would prevent key infrastructure operators from buying from the company.

Shares of Infineon Technologies, STMicroelectronics and ASM International declined.

Novo Nordisk rose 2.3 percent after research showed that taking its new drug for obesity could help reduce the risk of heart disease as well as promote weight loss.