European stocks finish higher as investors monitor peace talks and AI market impact
European shares rose Tuesday as banking and healthcare gains offset AI concerns. Investors monitored peace talks in Geneva and nuclear discussions with Iran.
Insights:
The pan-European STOXX 600 index rose 0.5% on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, as the banks sector and healthcare sector led a broad market rally. This regional move shifted sector-level valuations across European markets and coincided with several indexes reaching multi-month highs. Within this environment, Switzerland 
CH saw its benchmark Switzerland's SMI gauge reach a record high as investors recalibrated their positions.
CH saw its benchmark Switzerland's SMI gauge reach a record high as investors recalibrated their positions.
