European shares rose 0.43% on Oct 14 as ASML’s strong results — including customer orders for chipmaking tools through 2029 and 2030 — reassured investors on AI-driven demand. The healthcare index climbed 2.3%, hitting its highest since Sep 7, while mining and renewables stocks declined. Brent crude stayed above US$100/barrel, and traders see an 81% chance of a December ECB rate hike. GSK plans to cut 1,217 jobs in Belgium, and SEB fell 5% after heightened capital requirements. LVMH reported weak Q3 sales amid deteriorating Chinese consumer sentiment.
According to businesstimes.com.sg, European shares edged up on Wednesday (Oct 14) amid robust earnings from ASML and a surge in healthcare stocks, with the pan-European Stoxx 600 index gaining 0.43 per cent to 637.75 points.
ASML Drives Tech Confidence Amid AI Demand Concerns
ASML shares rose 1.2 per cent after the company revealed that customers are already placing orders for its advanced chipmaking tools for 2029 and 2030. This signals durable demand despite investor worries about artificial intelligence-related semiconductor consumption. “ASML has helped support the bullish argument that tech stocks are still performing well, demand for chips remains strong, and infrastructure spending is likely to continue well into 2027,” said Gordon Kerr, European macro strategist at KBRA.
Healthcare Leads Gains; Sectoral Divergence Widens
The healthcare index surged 2.3 per cent, reaching its highest level since Sep 7. In contrast, mining stocks led sectoral losses: Fresnillo fell 4.6 per cent after JPMorgan lowered its price target, while Orsted dropped 3.9 per cent following U.S. regulatory re-evaluation of its Rhode Island wind farm permit. British IT firm Softcat fell about 11 per cent after flagging slower growth for fiscal 2027.
Monetary Policy Expectations and Inflation Pressures
Brent crude futures remained above US$100 a barrel, sustaining inflation concerns tied to Middle East conflict escalation. Traders assign an 81 per cent chance to a December interest rate hike by the European Central Bank, according to LSEG data — though a hold is expected at the October meeting. U.S. September inflation data also exceeded expectations, reviving bets on a Federal Reserve rate increase later in October.
Corporate Restructuring and Regulatory Actions
GSK rose 4.6 per cent after announcing plans to cut up to 1,217 jobs in Belgium. Meanwhile, Sweden’s SEB dropped 5 per cent after the country’s bank regulator temporarily raised its capital requirements due to flaws in internal risk models. Luxury bellwether LVMH reported weaker-than-expected third-quarter sales, citing a sharp deterioration in Chinese consumer sentiment.
Source: businesstimes.com.sg
Compiled from international media by the SCI.AI editorial team.
