Frankfurt, Germany – European stock markets extended gains on Thursday, driven by a combination of robust corporate earnings and encouraging macroeconomic data suggesting that the region’s economy remains resilient despite ongoing global uncertainties.

The pan-European STOXX 600 Index rose 0.3% by 0805 GMT, following an all-time high recorded in the previous session, as investors welcomed upbeat results from major technology companies and reassuring economic indicators across Europe.

---

Technology Sector Leads Gains

The technology segment was the standout performer, fueled by investor optimism around artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductor demand:

• The European technology index (.SX8P) surged 2.5%, the largest gain among STOXX 600 sectors.
• Shares of ASML (ASML.AS), Europe’s leading chip equipment manufacturer, jumped 6.7%, reaching a record high after strong earnings reports from TSMC, the world’s main producer of advanced AI chips.

TSMC’s fourth-quarter results exceeded expectations, reflecting surging global demand for AI-related semiconductors. The positive earnings report has provided a significant boost to related European tech stocks, particularly equipment suppliers such as ASML.

---

Other Notable Movers

Several non-tech European companies also posted gains:

• Swedbank (SWEDa.ST) climbed 5.6% after the U.S. Department of Justice concluded a longstanding investigation into the Swedish bank, removing a key overhang on investor sentiment.
• Richemont (CFR.S), the luxury goods group, rose 1% after reporting an 11% increase in third-quarter constant currency sales, exceeding analysts’ expectations and highlighting strong demand for premium goods.

These gains indicate that European markets are reacting not only to individual corporate news but also to broader economic signals supporting business growth.

---

Economic Data Supports Optimism

Alongside strong corporate results, positive macro indicators reinforced the market’s upbeat tone:

• United Kingdom: November GDP data showed stronger-than-expected growth, signaling economic resilience in one of Europe’s largest economies.
• Sweden: Consumer prices measured with a fixed interest rate rose 2.1% in December compared with the same month a year earlier, aligning with the central bank’s target and suggesting stable inflationary conditions.

These indicators support the view that Europe’s economic fundamentals remain solid, helping to underpin investor confidence across the equity markets.

---

Global Market Context

European market gains come amid mixed signals in global equities:

• In the United States, major indices closed lower on Wednesday:
  • Dow Jones Industrial Average: fell fractionally
  • S&P 500: slipped 0.5%
  • Nasdaq Composite: lost 1%
• Investors continue to rotate away from high-growth technology shares toward cyclical sectors in response to economic data and changing market sentiment.

---

Key Takeaways for Investors

• European shares advance as corporate earnings and economic data exceed expectations.
• Technology stocks lead, with ASML and other chip-related companies benefiting from the global AI boom.
• Financial and luxury sectors also post gains, boosted by resolution of legal issues and strong sales performance.
• Macroeconomic indicators from the UK and Sweden provide additional reassurance for the regional economic outlook.