Amsterdam - Dutch stocks closed higher on Wednesday, driven by strength in technology, basic materials and real estate stocks. At the close of trading in Amsterdam the AEX index rose 1.46% to record a new all-time high.
Standout movers
On the AEX, ASML Holding NV recorded the largest gain, advancing 6.73% - a rise of 84.00 points - to finish at 1,333.00. ArcelorMittal SA added 4.96%, an increase of 2.54 points, to end the session at 53.80. BE Semiconductor Industries NV also posted notable upside, climbing 3.96% or 10.10 points to close at 265.00.
Not all large-cap names fared well. Wolters Kluwer was the weakest performer on the index, slipping 3.78% or 2.50 points to close at 63.58. Universal Music Group NV declined 1.99% or 0.41 points to finish at 20.21, while Relx PLC fell 1.44% or 0.42 points to 28.78.
Breadth and volatility
Advancers outpaced decliners on the Amsterdam Stock Exchange by 68 to 28, with 12 stocks ending the day unchanged. The AEX Volatility gauge, which reflects implied volatility on AEX options, was unchanged at 21.09.
Commodities and FX
Energy contracts moved sharply lower. Crude oil for July delivery fell 5.56% - a drop of $5.80 - to $98.58 a barrel. Brent for July delivery dropped 6.22% or $6.97 to $105.13 a barrel. Precious metals also retreated, with the June Gold Futures contract down 0.44% or $20.03 to trade at $4,537.97 a troy ounce.
Currency markets showed limited movement in the major pairs cited. EUR/USD was unchanged 0.21% to 1.16, while EUR/GBP was unchanged 0.17% to 0.86. The US Dollar Index Futures was trading down 0.11% at 99.00.
Market snapshot
- AEX: +1.46% (new all-time high)
- Top gainers: ASML +6.73%, ArcelorMittal +4.96%, BE Semiconductor +3.96%
- Top decliners: Wolters Kluwer -3.78%, Universal Music Group -1.99%, Relx -1.44%
- Commodity moves: Brent -6.22%, WTI crude -5.56%, Gold -0.44%
- Volatility: AEX Volatility unchanged at 21.09
This session underlined continued investor appetite for select technology and materials stocks, while energy markets experienced a sharp retreat. Overall breadth favored advancers, contributing to the AEX's new record close.