(Il Sole 24 Ore Radiocor) - Milano, 17 feb - European shares closed higher despite persistent concerns over AI related disruptions and resurgent geopolitical risks.

On the data front, economic sentiment in Germany showed a slight cooling in February, with the ZEW indicator inching down to 58.3 from 59.6 in January. This came alongside final figures confirming German inflation rose 2.1% year on year.

Meanwhile, the UK labor market showed signs of significant strain as unemployment hit a near five-year high of 5.2%.

While slowing wage growth has increased expectations for a Bank of England interest rate cut, analysts remain divided on whether a reduction will arrive as early as March.

In the eurozone, Spain provided a positive note, reporting that its public debt fell to 100.8% of GDP at the end of 2025, aided by robust 2.8% economic growth.

The London FTSE 100 closed up 0.79% at 10,556.17 points, the Frankfurt DAX rose 0.80% at 25,010.94 points, the Paris CAC 40 gained 0.54% at 8,361.46 points, while in Milan the FTSE MIB added 0.76% at 45,764.07 points, and in Madrid the IBEX.

35 closed 0.62% higher at 17,958.30 points.

(RADIOCOR) 17-02-26 18:06:59 (0598) 5 NNNN