European stock markets ended Wednesday’s session mixed amid an uncertain macroeconomic backdrop, as investors digested a fresh round of corporate earnings. The Euro STOXX 50 edged down 0.2% to 6,267, while the STOXX Europe 600 added 0.2% to close at 643.
ASML lifted its near-term guidance and announced plans to expand production capacity after reporting second-quarter results that beat expectations, supported by robust demand from chipmakers. However, another wave of sharp losses across semiconductor stocks weighed on the sector, leaving ASML shares flat by the close despite an intraday gain of as much as 7%.
Luxury stocks outperformed after Richemont delivered strong results, sending its shares up 6%. The upbeat sentiment spilled over to peers, with LVMH and Hermès each advancing around 2.5%.
In contrast, banking shares declined as rising sovereign bond yields clouded the outlook for credit conditions. Energy prices stayed elevated as escalating strikes between the US and Iran undermined expectations for natural gas and fuel exports from the Middle East.
