European equity markets opened higher on Tuesday, 20 February 2026, as solid economic data and renewed optimism about developments in Iran supported investor sentiment. Markets saw broad gains at the start of trading, led by sectors sensitive to cyclical growth. #Stocks #Eurozone #Iran

Preliminary purchasing managers’ indices for the eurozone showed an improvement between January and February, a modest boost to risk appetite and to confidence in near-term economic momentum. The surveys were cited as a partial driver of the early rally. #PMI

Traders cited the combination of firmer PMI signals and positive news flow around Iran as factors underpinning the move, while keeping an eye on further data releases and geopolitical updates that could influence market direction. #FiatNews