Kilkenny-based nutrition group Glanbia topped the topped the index with a 4 per cent gainEuropean shares closed at a record high on Wednesday, lent significant help from the banking sector. Shares of the lender hit a record high as ​it raised a key earnings target after its annual profit exceeded expectations, despite logging a $4.9 billion (€4 billion) one-off charge. EUROPEThe pan-European STOXX 600 index ended 0.7 per cent higher at 633.47, eclipsing Friday’s record close of 630.56. Meanwhile, mining and utilities stocks each hit an all-time high on Wednesday, passing their previous peaks in 2008, the latest sign of a broadening-out of last year’s rally in European stocks. Lowe’s Companies ‌fell as the home improvement retailer forecast annual sales and profit below estimates, while GoDaddy tumbled double digits after the internet services provider forecast annual revenue below Wall Street ​expectations.

Source: The Irish Times February 26, 2026 03:29 UTC