STOXX 600 Approaches Record High

2026-02-17 17:26 By Andre Joaquim 1 min. read

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.



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STOXX 600 Approaches Record High
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.
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