AEX index hits record close driven by semiconductor stocks

The AEX index reached a record closing high on Tuesday, finishing at 1,120.19 points, a 0.4 percent increase. The index saw an intraday peak of 1,125 points, driven largely by gains in semiconductor stocks such as ASML, Besi, and ASMI, which rose by as much as 4.4 percent.

In contrast, several companies saw declines. Arcadis shares fell 1.5 percent following an announcement that the firm will cut 1,000 jobs and divest most of its architecture and China-based activities. Shell and SBM Offshore also experienced losses of up to 3.3 percent, tracking a decline in global oil prices.

Market analysts noted that while the setup for the equity market appears constructive, consumer-facing sectors face challenges due to rising inflation. Meanwhile, Shell confirmed a final investment decision to double its liquefied natural gas (LNG) production in Canada.