The Spanish Stock Market closed this Thursday, October 22, with strong losses. The Ibex 35, Spain's main stock market index, fell by 2.12% in a session marked by declines in banks and uncertainty in international markets. During the session, the selective index even lost the 19,000-point barrier.
The Ibex 35 brings together 35 of the main listed companies in Spain, and its evolution allows us to know how their shares behave as a whole. However, this does not mean that all companies rise or fall at the same rate. One of the main reasons for the fall has been the performance of the financial sector. Bankinter led the declines after presenting its results for the first nine months of 2026. Although the entity obtained nearly 901 million euros in net profit, about 11% more than in the same period of the previous year, its shares suffered a sharp fall on the stock market.
The investors' reaction is explained, in part, because some of their results data fell below market expectations. This shows that a company can earn more money than the previous year and still register stock market declines if investors expected better results.
The Ibex 35 loses 19,000 points due to the fall of banks and international uncertainty
The fall of the Spanish Stock Market occurred in a context of uncertainty in European and international markets. In addition to Bankinter, other Ibex 35 banks have registered declines, including CaixaBank, Banco Sabadell, and Banco Santander.
Pressure has also come from the technology sector. The falls of some large international technology companies have increased investors' doubts about growth expectations and the profits that artificial intelligence-related companies can generate.
Added to this situation is concern about France's public accounts. The French risk premium, which measures the difference between the interest the country pays for its debt and what Germany pays, has exceeded 170 basis points. This rise reflects greater market distrust towards French debt. The combination of these factors has affected the main European stock markets and has increased pressure on investors, who remain attentive to corporate results and economic evolution.
Bankinter increases its profits, but leads the declines on the Stock Market
Bankinter has been one of the most punished stocks of the day, despite the growth in its profits. The entity has published earnings of around 901 million euros between January and September, 11% more than in the same period of 2025. However, investors have reacted negatively to some data from its accounts.
Other financial entities, such as CaixaBank, Banco Sabadell, and Banco Santander, have also registered losses. These declines have contributed to the Ibex 35 losing 19,000 points during the session and ending the day with a fall of more than 2%.
Outside the banking sector, the evolution of international technology companies and economic doubts in Europe have continued to condition market behavior. Therefore, investors remain focused on upcoming business results and economic decisions that may influence market confidence.
