Global shares stabilize as ASML’s strong earnings lift tech shares, countering geopolitical tensions and rising oil prices.
Global equities held steady Wednesday as robust earnings from ASML, the largest chipmaking equipment supplier, revived investor interest in AI-related stocks. The company raised its 2026 forecasts and announced capacity expansion, beating quarterly earnings expectations and sending its shares up as much as 8% in early trading before paring gains to 4%.
Europe’s STOXX 600 index remained near parity after rallying Tuesday on softer U.S. inflation data, which eased concerns over higher interest rates. Nasdaq futures rose 0.5%, while S&P 500 futures gained 0.1%, signaling a positive open on Wall Street. Tech-heavy markets in Asia outperformed, with South Korea’s KOSPI up over 6%.
The gains in tech stocks offset pressure from rising oil prices and escalating geopolitical tensions involving Iran. The MSCI World Price Index showed little change, reflecting a balance between optimism in AI-driven growth and broader market uncertainties.