The AEX index on the Amsterdam stock exchange ended Friday in the green, bouncing back from losses earlier in the week. Financial technology firm Adyen and chip industry supplier Besi were the standout performers for investors on the Damrak.
Besi saw its share price climb by 4.3 per cent. The company, which specialises in advanced semiconductor packaging, followed up on Thursday’s strong gains after releasing quarterly results and a future outlook that impressed the market.
Adyen rose by 4.8 per cent following the news that it is acquiring the German firm Talon.One for €750 million. By making this purchase, Adyen aims to move beyond simple payment processing and expand into the marketing sector.
The AEX closed up 0.6 per cent at 1,020.60 points, though the MidKap index dropped by 0.9 per cent. Elsewhere in Europe, markets in Frankfurt, Paris, and London struggled, with some losing up to 0.8 per cent by the end of the day.
Other big winners in Amsterdam included chip giants ASMI and ASML, which both saw gains of around 2 per cent. On the downside, steel maker ArcelorMittal was the biggest loser, falling 2.5 per cent, while Philips and ABN AMRO also saw their share prices slip.
In the mid-cap sector, Fugro rose by 3.8 per cent as investors reacted to news that the conflict in the Middle East has had a limited impact on its operations. Meanwhile, lighting specialist Signify rose 2.3 per cent, despite reporting a drop in profits and warning that tough market conditions are likely to continue throughout the year.
@anp | NEWS BRAINPORT
