FX.co ★ European Stocks at Record Highs

At the onset of the first full week of the new year, the STOXX 50 experienced an uptick of over 1%, while the STOXX 600 advanced by 0.5%, further building on the record highs achieved last Friday. Investors are closely observing the situation in Venezuela following the United States' capture of President Maduro and his spouse over the weekend, though immediate concerns seem to have mostly dissipated. The defense sector witnessed notable gains, driven by escalating European security apprehensions. Rheinmetall saw a significant increase of 6.7%, with BAE Systems and Thales also rising by 4.2% and 4.4%, respectively. The tech industry showed strength as well, fueled by a worldwide rally in semiconductor stocks. ASML Holding's shares soared 3.8%, setting a new record high at €1,025. Other technology firms, including SAP (+0.2%), Prosus (+0.5%), Infineon Technologies (+3.0%), and Adyen (+1.9%), enjoyed positive trading sessions. Conversely, Nestle's stock dropped by 2.3%, Novartis decreased by 1%, and Roche slipped by 0.7%.