Finance

Europe's mining, utility stocks pass 2008 peaks to all times highs as rally broadens

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on February 25, 2026

1 min read

· Last updated: April 2, 2026

Add as preferred source on Google
Europe's mining, utility stocks pass 2008 peaks to all times highs as rally broadens
Global Banking & Finance Awards 2026 — Call for Entries

LONDON, Feb 25 (Reuters) - European mining stocks hit an all-time high on Wednesday, passing their previous peak in 2008, the latest sign of a broadening out of last year's rally in European stocks. 

European Mining and Utility Stocks Reach New All-Time Highs

LONDON, Feb 25 (Reuters) - European 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. 

Rising Metal Prices Boost Mining Shares

Both precious and other metal prices have been rising steadily in recent months, which has boosted miner share prices. The STOXX basic resources sector has gained 25% since the start of the year, nearly matching its total gain for 2025. <.SXPP>

Utilities Sector Gains from AI Trends

The STOXX utilities sector has meanwhile risen around 15% since the start of the year. Utilities are seen as a beneficiary of AI trends, due to data centres' power needs, and are also part of an investor rotation into hard assets.

Milestones in European Industry Sectors

Mining and utilities are the second and third European industry sectors to clear a longstanding milestone this week. The oil and gas index took out its 2007 record high on Monday.. 

(Reporting by Sophie Kiderlin; Editing by Amanda Cooper and Alun John)

Key Takeaways

  • European miners climbed to an all‑time high, surpassing their 2008 peak.
  • Stronger precious and industrial metal prices fueled broad gains across resource names.
  • STOXX Basic Resources sector has risen about 25% year to date, nearly matching its 2025 advance.
  • Europe’s oil & gas index also broke past its 2007 record earlier this week. (economictimes.indiatimes.com)
  • The moves signal a broadening of Europe’s equity rally into commodity-linked sectors. (investing.com)

References

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main topic?
European mining stocks reached a new all‑time high, surpassing their 2008 peak, as rising precious and industrial metal prices drove gains across the sector.
What drove the surge in European miners?
A steady rise in precious and base metal prices lifted sentiment and earnings expectations for miners, pushing the STOXX Basic Resources sector higher.
How did other energy-related sectors perform?
The European oil and gas index also broke its prior peak, surpassing the 2007 record earlier this week amid firmer crude prices. ([economictimes.indiatimes.com](https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/markets/us-stocks/news/european-oil-and-gas-stocks-hit-record-high-surpassing-2007-level/articleshow/128719828.cms?utm_source=openai))

Tags

Related Articles

More from Finance

Explore more articles in the Finance category