Business

Cosun reports a significant drop in sugar beet yields due to prolonged summer drought, lowering its sugar forecast and pushing back the start of processing to give crops more growing time.

ASML is partnering with TSMC and Samsung to develop 12-inch photomasks, aiming to double current standards and boost chipmaking efficiency by 2033. Additionally, Samsung and TSMC announced firm adoption timelines for ASML's costly High-NA EUV systems, committing to integrate the technology by 2028 and 2030, respectively.

The AEX opened virtually flat on Friday morning as investors stood by for the crucial US employment report due later today, which—alongside inflation figures—will heavily influence the Federal Reserve's next interest rate decision. Although rising oil prices had heightened rate hike fears earlier in the week, market anxiety eased on Thursday following comments from Fed Governor Christopher Waller in favour of keeping rates on hold if inflation cools, leaving Amsterdam's benchmark index trading fractionally higher at 1,105.02 points shortly after the opening bell.

The AEX index in Amsterdam closed the trading week higher on Friday, boosted by broad gains across the market and positive momentum across major European exchanges. Investors weighed comments from US Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh, who cautioned that American inflation remains sticky while clarifying that further interest rate hikes are not a foregone conclusion. Technology stocks drew support from strong earnings by US AI giant Nvidia, helping lift chemical distributor IMCD and insurer ASR to the top of the index, while Air France-KLM and property firm Eurocommercial Properties also recorded gains.

The Trump administration is weighing a new wave of semiconductor import tariffs, potentially extending duties to a broad range of tech products. The American tech sector warns the move could undermine the country’s AI ambitions and strain an already fragile supply chain.

The Scientific Council for Government Policy (WRR) warns that Europe must overhaul its trade and innovation policies as major powers increasingly use economic leverage as geopolitical pressure. Without decisive action, the EU risks losing industrial capacity, deepening dependency, and compromising values such as privacy and environmental protection.

Philips has received 34 million dollars from the US government to develop AI-powered robotics for remote stroke surgeries. The technology will allow specialist surgeons to operate on patients from distant control cockpits. Although clinical deployment remains years away, Philips plans to launch the system in the United States before expanding into Europe.

Dutch business investment bounced back by 2.7 per cent year-on-year in June following consecutive declines in April and May, driven by increased spending on commercial property and road transport fleets like lorries and buses. Although outlay on machinery, aircraft, and shipping dropped during the same period, data from Statistics Netherlands (CBS) indicates that broader investment conditions continued to improve into August, bolstered by stronger stock market performance and an easing of negative consumer sentiment.