Five European Stocks That Tend to Do Well in January

January is not historically Europe’s strongest month for equities, but it often delivers a constructive start to the year. Over the past 20 years, the Euro STOXX 50 has averaged a modest 0.26% gain in January, ending higher 56% of the time. Germany’s DAX has averaged a 0.44% rise, France’s CAC 40 about 0.58%, while Italy’s FTSE MIB stands out with a stronger 1.23% average gain and a 62% success rate. What makes the current cycle interesting is the scale of recent moves, with January rallies of 8%–10% across major indices in both 2023 and 2025.

Against that backdrop, a small group of European stocks has built a reputation for January outperformance.

1. Rheinmetall
Over the past two decades, Rheinmetall has delivered an average January gain of 7.74%, finishing higher roughly 90% of the time. The stock has posted double-digit January gains in each of the last four years, including a near-23% surge in 2025.

2. Sartorius
Sartorius has averaged a 5.85% January rise over 20 years, with gains in about two-thirds of cases. Excluding the 2022 sell-off, the last eight Januarys have all ended in positive territory, highlighted by a 30% jump in 2025.

3. Sopra Steria Group
Sopra Steria has produced an average January return of 5.75%, with a 76% win rate. Apart from crisis years, January has consistently delivered solid early-year momentum.

4. Accor
Accor has averaged 4.3% in January over 20 years, with a 67% success rate. The post-pandemic rebound was especially strong, including a 28% surge in January 2023.

5. Alten
Alten has gained an average of 4.13% in January, finishing higher 71% of the time. Recent years have delivered double-digit January gains, despite notable drawdowns during major crises.

What Does This Mean for Me?

This is not financial advice, but it’s worth remembering that seasonality is not a forecast, and macro shocks can overwhelm historical patterns. Still, for these names, January has often provided an early tailwind worth watching.