AEX Index Reaches New All-Time High, Lifted by Tech Sector Gains

The Dutch stock market's benchmark AEX index advanced 0.41% on Thursday to close at a new all-time high, according to data from the Amsterdam exchange. The gains were primarily led by strong performance in the Technology, Consumer Services, and Oil & Gas sectors.

Session Highlights

The rally was spearheaded by semiconductor giant ASML Holding NV (AS:ASML), which was the session's top performer, surging 3.16%. Despite the index reaching a new peak, market breadth was negative, with 52 stocks falling compared to 42 advancing, while 10 remained unchanged. This suggests the day's gains were concentrated in a few large-cap names.

Other notable performers on the AEX included:

• Unilever PLC (AS:ULVR), which rose 1.47%.
• DSM Firmenich AG (AS:DSFIR), closing up 1.15%.

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On the downside, several technology firms faced losses. The session's worst performers were BE Semiconductor Industries NV (AS:BESI), which fell 3.20%, followed by payments company Adyen NV (AS:ADYEN), down 2.06%, and ASM International NV (AS:ASMI), which declined 1.88%.

Market and Commodity Context

Investor sentiment appeared stable, as the AEX Volatility index, a measure of implied volatility in AEX options, was unchanged at 21.09. In the broader commodities market, crude oil prices saw a slight increase, with the August delivery contract for WTI up 0.06% to $79.65 a barrel. In contrast, the August Gold Futures contract experienced a decline, falling 1.18% to trade at $4,004.10 per troy ounce.