European Stocks Rise, Hold Near Record Highs
European stocks edged higher on Friday (February 27th) and held near all-time highs, closing the week on a solid note amidst a combination of earnings season, valuation/AI concerns, Middle East tensions, and US trade policy uncertainty. On a monthly basis, European markets are also on track to post their eighth consecutive month of gains—the longest such streak since 2012–2013.
At the issuer level, Swiss Re was in the spotlight after reporting a 47% rise in 2025 net profit to $4.762 billion (slightly above expectations), triggering a surge in shares.
The travel sector also supported sentiment: British Airways owner IAG reported a 13% rise in 2025 operating profit to €5.02 billion and announced a shareholder return plan, supporting European airline stocks.
Meanwhile, travel technology company Amadeus reported fourth-quarter EBITDA that beat analysts' estimates and announced a buyback program, adding to the positive momentum in the travel-tech segment.
From a macro perspective, the market is also digesting inflation signals. Preliminary data showed French inflation in February rose higher than expected (HICP), driven by a slower decline in energy prices and pressure from other components—reminding the market that price pressures in the region are not yet completely subdued.
Source: Newsmaker.id
