AEX index declines amid rising oil prices and geopolitical tensions

The AEX index closed lower on Monday, ending at 1105.77 points, a 0.6 percent decrease. Market volatility was driven by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East following military exchanges between the United States and Iran, which contributed to a rise in oil prices. Brent crude rose to approximately $90 per barrel.

Economic concerns were further heightened by remarks from Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh. During his Jackson Hole speech, Warsh noted that inflation has not decreased significantly, leading markets to price in a roughly 60 percent chance of an interest rate hike in September. This sentiment strengthened the US dollar and pressured equity markets.

In individual stock performance, SBM Offshore and Shell saw gains due to rising energy costs, with SBM Offshore rising 2.9 percent. Conversely, Adyen fell 3.9 percent, while semiconductor companies ASML and ASMI also experienced declines. Despite the weekly downturn, the AEX remains higher than its July closing price.