AEX

The AEX index fell further on Friday morning, dropping 0.6 per cent to 1,013.32 points as a fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran appeared to buckle. This latest decline follows a 1.2 per cent slump on Thursday, marking a sharp retreat for Amsterdam’s blue-chip stocks after they reached a new closing record just two days ago. Market sentiment turned defensive as investors weighed conflicting reports from Washington and Tehran: while the US military confirmed retaliatory strikes and Iran threatened to respond "vigorously and without hesitation," President Donald Trump maintained the truce was still in effect despite Iranian accusations of ceasefire violations in civilian areas.

The Amsterdam AEX index closed 0.6% higher on Friday, reaching 1,020.60 points as investors rallied behind the tech and chip sectors. Key performers included Besi, which climbed 4.3% following strong quarterly results, and Adyen, which rose 4.8% after announcing a €750 million acquisition of German firm Talon.One. While broader European markets struggled and the MidKap index dipped, significant gains from chip giants ASML and ASMI helped the Dutch blue-chip index bounce back from earlier losses.

European chip stocks declined after Google unveiled a new technology that could reduce demand for memory. Despite this, broader markets in Amsterdam and across Europe ended the day higher. Oil prices and geopolitical tensions also remained in focus.

Stocks in Amsterdam fell for a second day as tensions in the Middle East weighed on investor sentiment, while oil prices continued to climb. Concerns over supply disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz added to market pressure. Meanwhile, merger talks in the drinks industry lifted shares in Paris.

European stock markets ended lower on Thursday as uncertainty over Middle East peace talks pushed investors into risk‑off mode. The AEX fell 1.3 percent, while oil prices surged sharply again, with Brent crude climbing more than 6 percent.

The AEX index started the week lower, continuing Friday’s losses amid fresh tensions in the Middle East. Rising oil and gas prices weighed on markets, while airline stocks came under particular pressure. Flow Traders stood out as one of the few gainers, benefiting from market volatility.

Tensions in the Middle East continued to influence financial markets on Friday. The AEX closed slightly higher as rising oil prices and takeover speculation around Besi trading. Meanwhile, companies warned that the conflict highlights Europe’s need for greater energy independence.

The AEX index closed down 0.2 percent at 1000.62 points. Stock exchanges in Frankfurt, Paris, and London also dropped by up to 0.7 percent.