European Markets Close Slightly Higher on Tuesday

European stock markets ended marginally higher on Tuesday, February 16, 2026, as optimism over upcoming U.S. Federal Reserve policy meeting offset concerns about global inflation. The STOXX Europe 600 Index rose 0.35% to 462.15, while London's FTSE 100 gained 0.4% to 7,950.20. Paris's CAC 40 and Frankfurt's DAX added 0.3% and 0.4%, respectively. Investors are awaiting the Fed's decision later this week, with expectations of a pause in rate hikes. Oil prices dipped 1.2% to $82.50 per barrel, easing pressure on energy stocks. Technology and healthcare shares led gains, while materials lagged amid commodity weakness.