Business
AEX lower across the board amid tech and AI sector sell-off
Amsterdam's AEX index fell 1% to 1,117.86 points in morning trading as part of a global sell-off in AI and technology equities, driven by investor fears of impending US regulatory tightening following Democratic election victories. While major Dutch chipmakers ASML, Besi, and ASMI staged a partial recovery after sharp initial losses, the downturn spread across broader European indices and non-tech stocks like Shell and UMG, with Asian markets plunging up to 6%. Amid the widespread declines, Air France-KLM and AMG posted notable gains, whereas offshore foundation manufacturer Sif plummeted nearly 24% over ongoing financing struggles.
Business
Dutch drone sector sees steady job growth
Employment in the Dutch drone sector is growing rapidly, with workforce numbers expanding from 2,300 in 2023 to over 3,000 today—a figure projected to exceed 5,100 by 2030, according to new research by Rijnland Advies for Dutch Drone Delta. This growth potential could be even higher, as current estimates exclude potential Defence contracts and end-user organisations like the ANWB and Rijkswaterstaat. While traditional drone operators currently dominate the market, rapid advances in automation and AI are shifting skill requirements, driving a surge in demand for technicians, software developers, and data analysts.
Business
Chipmaker Nexperia seeks $2 billion in legal battle
Nijmegen-based chipmaker Nexperia is seeking $2 billion in damages from its former Chinese parent company Wingtech, Nexperia China and former CEO Wing Zhang. The dispute highlights growing tensions over intellectual property, corporate control and Europe's strategic semiconductor industry.
Business
Binance hack expected to have minimal impact in the Netherlands
Dutch investors are expected to suffer minimal fallout from a record $6 billion hack on Binance, as the platform has been banned in the Netherlands since failing to secure a licence in 2023. With local payment services like iDEAL blocked and banks restricting transfers to the exchange, few residents are exposed to the massive asset freeze, though the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM) continues to warn against using unlicensed, unregulated crypto platforms.
Business
Damrak chip shares slide
Dutch semiconductor giants ASMI, Besi, and ASML fell by up to 4.5 per cent on Friday morning, dragging the AEX down 0.1 per cent to 1,140.62 after disappointing reports from Intel and Amazon compounded Thursday's Alphabet-led tech sell-off. Market sentiment was hit particularly hard by key ASML customer Intel, whose sluggish PC outlook pointed to a 23 per cent pre-market plunge on Wall Street, keeping the broader tech and AI sectors under heavy strain.
Business
Walibi reduces visitor numbers after disturbances
Walibi will admit fewer visitors during this weekend's Halloween Fright Nights following disturbances that led to police intervention last week. The amusement park says additional measures have been put in place and is working closely with local authorities to maintain safety.
Business
AI is driving growth in tech hiring
Artificial intelligence is reshaping the technology job market rather than replacing workers, according to new research. As companies expand their use of AI, many are growing their tech teams and seeking employees with expertise in AI, governance, and communication.
Business
ASML commits €100 million to the Future Rijksmuseum
ASML will contribute €100 million over 20 years to support the future Rijksmuseum in Eindhoven. The funding agreement marks a major boost for the planned museum, which is expected to open between 2032 and 2034 and become a leading cultural attraction in the Brainport region.
Business
Netherlands forced to delay building targets amid construction worker shortage
A large, weather-worn sign at the entrance of the new development proudly displays artists' impressions of the upcoming residential estate alongside details of the project's contractors and expected completion dates. Positioned near the perimeter fencing, the board marks the transition from open land to an active building site, outlining the vision for the new neighbourhood as heavy machinery works in the background.
Business
Albert Heijn delivery resumes
Albert Heijn has resumed home grocery deliveries following a two-week outage caused by a major cybersecurity incident at parent company Ahold Delhaize. Operating at roughly a third of its normal capacity, the supermarket chain has re-opened ordering to select customers and begun dispatching essential items like dairy, fresh produce, and kitchen roll. While delivery slots and product availability are set to expand over the coming week, impacted customers are receiving store credit for previous cancellations as police investigate the breach.
Business
New car sales expected to decline next year
New passenger car sales in the Netherlands are expected to fall in 2027, driven by changes to vehicle taxation and a slowing economy. While demand for new cars is forecast to soften, the market for light commercial vehicles is expected to continue its recovery.