As we usher in a new year, January has proven to be a month of impressive returns for European stocks, showcasing a vibrant start to 2026 as major indices hit all-time highs, notably Germany's leading benchmark.
Historically, January tends to deliver positive results for European equities, albeit not always with remarkable intensity. Yet, in recent years, the first month of the year has experienced some unexpectedly robust rallies, particularly among a select group of European companies.
In examining data from the past two decades, we see that the Euro STOXX 50 index has averaged a 0.26% increase each January, managing to close higher 56% of the time according to TradingView insights. Similar patterns can be observed across national indices: Germany’s DAX has shown an average gain of 0.44%, achieving a positive outcome 57% of the time, while France’s CAC 40 has outperformed slightly with an average increase of 0.58%, also with a 57% success rate. Interestingly, Italy’s FTSE MIB distinguishes itself by delivering an average January rise of 1.23% and a success rate of 62%.
When comparing these figures, it is evident that months like April or November have historically provided stronger and more consistent returns for European stocks. However, what differentiates January in the current market cycle is the magnitude of its recent gains.
For instance, Januarys of both 2023 and 2025 were among the strongest ever recorded for various European indices. The Euro STOXX 50 surged by 9.75% in January 2023, followed by an impressive 7.98% increase two years later. Similarly, the DAX experienced substantial rises of 8.65% in January 2023 and 9.16% in January 2025, highlighting a renewed investor enthusiasm for cyclical and industrial sectors at the year's outset.
Amid this landscape, certain individual stocks have consistently stood out as top performers during January. Let’s take a closer look at five European companies that have demonstrated a strong propensity to thrive in this opening month of the year.
Top European Stocks Benefiting from January Gains
5) Alten SA
The French engineering and technology consultancy, Alten, exhibits a notable positive trend in January. Over the past two decades, the stock has averaged a remarkable 4.13% gain for the month, finishing higher 71% of the time. Recent years have been particularly noteworthy, with significant increases of 20.46% in 2023, 6.84% in 2024, and 12.9% in 2025. However, it’s important to remember that major economic downturns can disrupt even the most reliable seasonal trends, as evidenced by Alten’s declines of 25.19% in January 2008 and 21% in January 2009 during the global financial crisis.
4) Accor SA
French hotel chain Accor has also emerged as one of Europe’s most dependable January performers. Over the last 20 years, the stock has appreciated by an average of 4.3% in January, boasting a 67% success rate. Particularly since the recovery phase following the pandemic, Accor has concluded each of the past four Januarys on a positive note, with a notable surge of 28.1% in January 2023 as travel demand rebounded sharply.
3) Sopra Steria Group SA
Another French contender, Sopra Steria, a prominent IT consultancy, has achieved one of the most consistent records for January gains among mid-to-large European stocks. On average, Sopra Steria shares have increased by 5.75% during January over the last 20 years, enjoying a solid 76% win rate. Excluding a sharp 20% downturn in 2022, every January over the past eight years has ended positively, with the most impressive performance occurring in January 2012, when shares rallied by 23.25%. The worst performance was also during the 2008 financial crisis, where the stock plummeted by 22.76%.
2) Sartorius AG
German life sciences firm Sartorius has made its mark as one of January’s standout seasonal performers. Over the past two decades, the stock has averaged a 5.85% increase in January, with a 67% win rate. Much like Sopra Steria, aside from the 2022 decline, the last eight Januarys have yielded positive results. January 2025 was particularly noteworthy for Sartorius, as the stock soared by 30.11%, reflecting a renewed investor interest in high-quality healthcare providers. The weakest performance occurred in 2008, when the stock declined by 12.96%.
1) Rheinmetall AG
Leading the pack is Rheinmetall, a German defense giant known for its exceptional January performance. Over the past 20 years, the stock has averaged a 7.74% gain in January and boasts an astounding 90% success rate. In recent years, Rheinmetall has consistently delivered double-digit gains every January, with increases of 10.9% in 2022, 15.02% in 2023, 13.17% in 2024, and a staggering 22.9% in 2025. This remarkable consistency can be attributed to both structural advantages within the defense sector and ongoing reassessments by investors regarding geopolitical risks at the beginning of each year.
Why Seasonal Trends Remain Relevant, but with Caution
Understanding seasonal patterns can shed light on how investor behavior, portfolio adjustments, and market expectations often follow recurring trends. That said, these patterns are not guaranteed predictions; they can be disrupted by macroeconomic events, policy changes, or unforeseen geopolitical developments. While January may not statistically be Europe’s most fruitful month overall, historical data suggests it often provides a significant early boost for a select group of stocks.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Always conduct your own research to ensure that any investments align with your specific circumstances. We strive to provide expert guidance but advise that reliance on the information presented here is at your own risk.
