The AEX index in Amsterdam ended Thursday’s trading session in the red. Stock markets across Europe also slipped, weighed down by investor uncertainty surrounding the stalled peace talks in the Middle East. Meanwhile, oil prices jumped sharply once again.
The AEX closed 1.3 percent lower at 970.78 points, after posting gains the previous day. The MidKap slipped 0.9 percent to 960.19 points. Markets in Paris, London, and Frankfurt also fell, with losses of up to 1.6 percent.
US crude rose more than 5 percent to above 95 dollars per barrel, while Brent crude climbed 6.5 percent to 108.84 dollars. The surge followed a brief dip on Wednesday, when optimism about a swift end to the conflict pushed prices lower.
That sentiment faded quickly as conflicting signals emerged. Iran insists it has no intention of speaking with the United States about ending the war, while Washington maintains that constructive discussions are taking place.
Biggest movers
ArcelorMittal, Adyen, ASML, ASMI, and Prosus were among the weakest performers on the AEX, with declines of up to 4.8 percent. Chemicals distributor IMCD led the index with a 4.8 percent gain. Shell rose 1.2 percent, while maritime oil services provider SBM Offshore added 1.5 percent.
In the MidKap, metals group AMG was the biggest loser, dropping 3.5 percent. Corbion and Arcadis topped the mid‑cap performers with gains of up to 2.3 percent.
Company results
Czechoslovak Group (CSG) published its annual results, showing sharply higher revenue and profit for 2025. Despite the strong figures, the Czech defence company, listed in Amsterdam since January, saw its share price fall 10.5 percent.
In Stockholm, Hennes & Mauritz (H&M) reported quarterly earnings and slipped 2.2 percent. Investors in London reacted more positively to results from British retailer Next, sending its shares up 6.4 percent.
@anp | NEWSBRAINPORT
