DAX Reclaims 25,000 Points: Nvidia Earnings & Market Updates
Frankfurt, Germany – February 25, 2026 – European equity markets are showing resilience mid-week, buoyed by positive economic data and anticipation surrounding earnings reports, particularly from technology giants. The Dax index is currently trading around the 25,000 mark, while investors await crucial financial updates from Nvidia after the US market close.
The focus today is firmly on Nvidia’s second-quarter fiscal 2026 results. The company reported revenue of $46.7 billion, a 6% increase from the previous quarter and a substantial 56% jump year-over-year. Data center revenue reached $41.1 billion, also up 5% quarter-over-quarter and 56% year-over-year, with Blackwell Data Center revenue growing 17% sequentially. However, the market’s reaction will likely hinge on the company’s forward-looking statements, as analysts assess the sustainability of this growth.
“It will be an outstanding result, as the chipmaker continues to benefit from the massive investment expenditure of hyperscalers,” noted Kathleen Brooks, an analyst at XTB, according to reporting from n-tv.de. Another analyst, Ipek Ozkardeskaya of Swissquote, cautioned that a strong result alone won’t be enough to convince investors, stating, “The devil is in the detail.”
Nvidia’s report comes amid a broader reassessment of the artificial intelligence sector. Recent concerns about the disruptive effects of AI on existing business models have introduced volatility into technology stocks, but the current price dynamics suggest a stabilizing sentiment among institutional investors. The company itself highlighted the demand for its Blackwell platform, with CEO Jensen Huang stating, “Blackwell is the AI platform the world has been waiting for, delivering an exceptional generational leap.”
The earnings release also revealed that Nvidia did not have any H20 sales to China-based customers in the second quarter, but benefited from a $180 million release of previously reserved H20 inventory and approximately $650 million in unrestricted H20 sales to a customer outside of China. GAAP and non-GAAP gross margins for the quarter were 72.4% and 72.7%, respectively. GAAP and non-GAAP earnings per diluted share were $1.08 and $1.05, respectively.
Beyond Nvidia, several other corporate developments are influencing market sentiment. Axon, the Taser and body camera manufacturer, saw its stock surge following a strong fourth-quarter report, driven by increased US spending on security. First Solar, however, experienced a significant decline after lowering its full-year revenue outlook due to the impact of tariffs. Aston Martin announced plans to cut 15% of its workforce as part of a cost-cutting initiative, a move that was positively received by investors.
On the macroeconomic front, inflation in the Eurozone continues to ease, with the annual rate falling to 1.7% in January, according to Eurostat. This provides some relief for policymakers and supports the expectation of potential interest rate cuts later this year. The DIW Berlin Konjunkturbarometer also showed a significant jump in February, reaching 101.6 points – its highest level in nearly three years – indicating a potential shift towards economic recovery in Germany.
In Asia, equity markets are experiencing a surge, fueled by optimism surrounding the AI boom. The Japanese Nikkei-225 index rose by 1.9% to 58,381.78, while the South Korean Kospi surpassed the 6,000-point mark for the first time. This positive momentum is driven by expectations of strong earnings from semiconductor companies, key players in the AI supply chain.
China’s economic recovery is expected to be uneven, according to analysts at Morgan Stanley. While consumer spending during the recent New Year’s holiday showed improvement compared to the previous year, the development varied across sectors. The firm noted that while tourism revenue increased by 19%, cinema revenue declined by nearly 40%, suggesting continued budget consciousness among consumers.
Commodity markets are also seeing movement, with oil prices rising amid geopolitical tensions and supply concerns. Brent crude is up 0.8% at $71.32 per barrel, while WTI crude is up 0.7% at $66.11. Gold prices are also increasing, driven by uncertainty surrounding US trade policy and geopolitical risks in the Middle East.
Looking ahead, investors will be closely watching Nvidia’s earnings report for insights into the future of AI and its potential impact on the broader technology sector. The company’s guidance will be crucial in determining whether the current enthusiasm for AI is sustainable or whether a correction is on the horizon. The results will be released after US markets close today, .
