European Stocks Rise on Strong US Jobs Data | Energy Sector Leads Gains

European stocks closed higher on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, as gains in commodity-linked shares offset declines in the technology and financial sectors, following a strong jobs report from the United States.

The Stoxx 600 European index finished the session up 0.1% at 621.58 points.

The benchmark index had hovered near record highs in recent sessions, as investors favored sectors perceived as less vulnerable to the effects of artificial intelligence, amid growing concerns about the technology’s potential negative impact on some industries.

Energy Stocks

Energy stocks led the gains, rising 3.8% to their highest level since 2008. TotalEnergies shares increased 2.7% to levels not seen since 2024 after the French oil major reaffirmed its commitment to expanding oil and gas reserves, while stating it would halve share buybacks in the first quarter.

Rising crude oil prices, up more than 2%, contributed to this upward trend.

The mining stocks sub-index rose 3% on the back of higher metal prices.

Data released on Wednesday showed the U.S. Economy added far more jobs than expected in January, indicating a resilient labor market that could allow the Federal Reserve to hold interest rates steady.

However, technology stocks fell 1.8% and media shares declined 2.6%.

Dassault Systemes shares plummeted 20.8%, its largest daily drop on record, after the software maker reported last-quarter revenue growth that disappointed investors.

Insurance stocks fell 1% and were the biggest losers on the main index since the start of the week.