[MARKET ANALYSIS] Mixed to higher sentiment with the AEX (+1.1%) outperforming on the back of ASML (+5.1%) and ASM International (+8.5%) strength

• European equities opened mixed to higher. The AEX (+1.1%) and SMI (+0.4%) are outperforming. AEX lifted by strong gains in ASML (+5.5%) following robust TSMC earnings, which showed a 35% jump in Q4 profit, while the SMI is supported by gains in Partners Group (+6.3%) on strong results.
• European sectors are mixed. Tech (+1.7%) leads, driven by strength in ASML (+5.5%), while Financial Services (+1.2%) follows gains in Partners Group (+6.3%). Autos (-1.2%), Consumer Products & Services (-0.9%) and Retail (-0.6%) lag. Consumer Product & Services has been weighed down by luxury giant Richemont (-1.8%), though, despite being firmer during the pre-market and at the open, shares have slid throughout the morning. Perhaps hit by the Co. noting rising material costs are to weigh on their margin, despite Q3’25 sales and revenue beating expectations.
• Movers this morning include Ericsson (+1.5%) with shares rising after the Co. announcing it is shedding 1.6k jobs in Sweden. On the downside, Taylor Wimpey (-2.3%) is pressured after reporting that its operating profit margin will be lower in 2026 than in 2025.
• US equity futures are mostly firmer, though the Dow Jones is underperforming and trades flat. NQ +0.8% leads after the mentioned TSMC metrics. Looking ahead, speakers include Fed’s Barr, Schmid, Bostic, Barking and Goolsbee. Other highlights include US trade data and Philly Fed employment.

European equities opened on a mixed to higher note, led by the AEX, buoyed by strong gains from ASML and ASM International following favorable earnings reports. This signals positive sentiment in tech sectors but highlights underlying weakness in consumer products and automotive sectors, suggesting a bifurcated market where strength may not be uniform across all industries. Investors should monitor upcoming US trade data and Fed speakers for insights on broader economic sentiment and policy direction.