European Stocks Close Higher as Market Focus Shifts to Federal Reserve Minutes
European stock markets closed with gains on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, as investors awaited the release of minutes from the latest Federal Reserve meeting. The minutes are expected to provide further insight into the central bank’s monetary policy outlook. This comes as markets continue to assess the trajectory of interest rates and their potential impact on economic growth.
The broad-based gains across European indices suggest a cautiously optimistic sentiment among investors. Several key indices saw significant increases during the trading day.
Specifically, stock gains expanded, with gold recovering to above 4,900 and silver rising more than 3% during the day. Crude oil prices also increased by 2%.
The UK’s FTSE 100 index also saw gains, driven by easing inflation concerns and a rebound in the British pound. BAE Systems and Glencore were among the companies drawing investor attention. The FTSE 100’s performance underscores the impact of macroeconomic data on market sentiment.
Major European indices all closed higher. The positive close reflects a broader trend of recovery in European markets, though ongoing geopolitical and economic uncertainties remain a factor.
The recent market activity highlights the interconnectedness of global financial markets and the importance of monitoring key economic indicators. Investors are closely watching developments in both the U.S. And Europe for clues about the future direction of the global economy.
