European stocks closed sharply higher on Tuesday, gaining some traction following multiple muted sessions with strong support from financials and consumer discretionary companies. The Eurozone's STOXX 50 added 0.7% to 6,022 and the pan-European STOXX 600 gained 0.5% to 621.4, decimals away from the record high touched last week. Banks closed sharply higher and insurers gained for a second session, benefiting from another positive session for benchmark sovereign bonds. UniCredit, BNP Paribas, and AXA gained between 1.7% and 2.7%. Meanwhile, auto producers and luxury brands were supported by the outlook of a slash to metal tariffs by the United States and hopes of strong retail sales in China in their holiday period. LVMH, Mercedes Benz, and BMW gained between 2.5% and 1%. In turn, Bayer surged 7.5% as it prepared to announce a $10.5 billion settlement on future cancer lawsuits over its Roundup weedkiller.
Euro Area's main stock market index, the EU50, rose to 6045 points on February 17, 2026, gaining 1.11% from the previous session. Over the past month, the index has climbed 2.02% and is up 9.24% compared to the same time last year, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks this benchmark index from Euro Area. Historically, the Euro Area Stock Market Index (EU50) reached an all time high of 6110.80 in February of 2026. Euro Area Stock Market Index (EU50) - data, forecasts, historical chart - was last updated on February 17 of 2026.
Euro Area's main stock market index, the EU50, rose to 6045 points on February 17, 2026, gaining 1.11% from the previous session. Over the past month, the index has climbed 2.02% and is up 9.24% compared to the same time last year, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks this benchmark index from Euro Area. The Euro Area Stock Market Index (EU50) is expected to trade at 5902.67 points by the end of this quarter, according to Trading Economics global macro models and analysts expectations. Looking forward, we estimate it to trade at 5355.07 in 12 months time.