European Stocks Open Higher Amid Economic Data and Earnings Reports
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Feb 20 2026
0mins
Should l Buy FCX?
Source: CNBC
- Positive Economic Data: U.K. retail sales rose by 1.8% in January 2026, up from a 0.4% increase in December 2025, indicating signs of economic recovery that could boost consumer confidence and market activity.
- Improved Public Finances: The U.K. public sector recorded a £30.4 billion ($40.8 billion) surplus in January 2026, double the level from a year earlier, reflecting improved fiscal health that may support future government spending plans.
- Anglo American Earnings Report: Anglo American reported adjusted core earnings of $6.4 billion for 2025, a 1.6% increase from the previous year, despite a $3.7 billion net loss due to market challenges, showcasing strong performance in copper and premium iron ore.
- Geopolitical Tensions: U.S. President Trump stated he would decide within the next 10 days whether to take military action against Iran, leading to cautious market reactions that could impact investor sentiment and market volatility.
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Analyst Views on FCX
Wall Street analysts forecast FCX stock price to fall
15 Analyst Rating
13 Buy
2 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 59.360
Low
46.00
Averages
58.79
High
70.00
Current: 59.360
Low
46.00
Averages
58.79
High
70.00
About FCX
Freeport-McMoRan Inc. is an international metals company focused on copper. The Company operates geographically diverse assets with significant proven and probable mineral reserves of copper, gold and molybdenum. The Company's segments include the Morenci and Cerro Verde copper mines, the Indonesia operations (including the Grasberg minerals district and PT-FI’s downstream processing facilities), the Rod & Refining operations and Atlantic Copper Smelting & Refining. Its operations include North America, South America and Indonesia. In North America, it manages seven copper operations: Morenci, Bagdad, Safford (including Lone Star), Sierrita and Miami in Arizona, and Chino and Tyrone in New Mexico, and two molybdenum mines: Henderson and Climax in Colorado. It also operates a copper smelter in Miami, Arizona. In South America, it manages two copper operations: Cerro Verde in Peru and El Abra in Chile. In addition to copper, the Grasberg minerals district also produces gold and silver.
About the author

Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
- Supply-Demand Imbalance Forecast: According to a study by S&P Global, copper demand is projected to reach 42 million metric tons by 2040, a 50% increase from current levels, while a supply deficit of 10 million metric tons is anticipated, indicating a severe market imbalance in the coming years.
- Price Surge Driven by Shortages: The tight supply has caused U.S. copper futures to soar over 41% in 2025, marking the largest increase since 2009, reflecting strong demand for copper and the fragility of supply chains in the market.
- Mine Supply Disruptions: In 2025, three major copper mines faced shutdowns due to natural disasters and accidents, leading to downward revisions in production forecasts, particularly for the Kamoa Kakula mine in Congo and El Teniente mine in Chile, with production expected to be depressed for the next five years.
- Tariff Impact on Market: The U.S. imposed a 50% tariff on semi-finished copper products, resulting in heavy stockpiling domestically while creating tight supply conditions outside the U.S., leading to an
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- Oil Price Impact: Oil prices surged past $110 per barrel due to the ongoing Iran conflict, leading Chevron to hit an all-time high, while Talos Energy rose by 5%, and ConocoPhillips and Northern Oil gained 2% and 3% respectively, indicating strong performance among oil companies in a high-price environment.
- Hims & Hers Health Surge: The company's stock soared 39% after striking a deal with Novo Nordisk to sell its weight-loss drug, resolving a lawsuit over a copycat version, which is expected to significantly enhance its market share and brand reputation.
- Live Nation Settlement Near: Live Nation's shares rose 6% as it nears a settlement with the Department of Justice regarding monopoly allegations in the live concert industry, which, if successful, will stabilize and expand its future business operations.
- United Therapeutics Buyback Plan: The pharmaceutical company's shares increased by over 8% after its board authorized a $2 billion stock repurchase plan, with $1.5 billion allocated for accelerated buybacks, which is expected to boost investor confidence and enhance shareholder value.
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- Oil Price Surge: Oil prices surged to $110 per barrel due to the ongoing Iran War, reaching levels not seen since mid-2022, which boosted oil stocks with Talos Energy rising 5%, and Northern Oil and Gas and ConocoPhillips gaining 3% and 2%, respectively.
- Hims & Hers Health: The stock skyrocketed 51% after a deal with Novo Nordisk was reported, allowing the sale of the pharmaceutical company's weight-loss drug on its platform, effectively ending a lawsuit aimed at blocking its sale of a copycat version, which is expected to significantly enhance its market share.
- Live Nation Entertainment: Shares rose 9% following reports that the company is nearing a settlement with the Department of Justice over alleged monopolistic practices in the live concert industry, which could improve its market position and reduce legal risks.
- Airline Stock Declines: Airline stocks fell as rising oil prices and the fallout from the Iran War impacted global travel, with Delta Air Lines down about 3%, and American Airlines and United Airlines shedding 4%, indicating the industry's cost pressures and operational challenges.
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- Gold Price Decline: The price of gold decreased early Monday despite increasing geopolitical tensions related to the war in Iran.
- Haven Asset Concerns: The drop in gold prices raises questions about its effectiveness as a safe haven asset during times of crisis.
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- Stock Market Reaction: Stock futures are declining on Monday due to rising oil prices.
- Oil Price Surge: Oil prices have exceeded $100 a barrel following attacks on fuel plants in the Middle East.
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- Consumer Price Index Surge: China's consumer price index rose 1.3% year-on-year in February, exceeding economists' expectations of a 0.8% increase, indicating a strong rebound in spending during the holiday season that could boost future consumer confidence.
- Service Prices Drive CPI: Service prices increased by 1.1% year-on-year, contributing 0.54 percentage points to the CPI, primarily driven by demand for travel, pet care, and dining services during the Lunar New Year holiday, suggesting a shift in consumption patterns.
- Producer Price Index Stabilization: The producer price index fell by 0.9% year-on-year, better than the expected 1.2% decline, indicating that rising costs for metals and commodities are providing a floor for factory prices, potentially alleviating profit pressures for businesses.
- Fiscal Stimulus Measures: The Chinese government allocated 250 billion yuan for a consumer trade-in program in its 2026 budget, although reduced from 300 billion yuan in 2025, reflecting a commitment to stimulate consumption in response to economic slowdown.
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