AEX closes lower despite intraday record

The Amsterdam benchmark reached 1,125 points during Tuesday’s trading, an intraday record, before closing 0.4% higher at 1,120.19 — short of its highest-ever close. Chip equipment makers Besi, ASMI and ASML were among the gainers, rising by as much as 4.4%. [1]

The MidKap index slipped 0.1% to 1,090.98 points, partly reflecting a 1.5% fall in Arcadis shares. At an investor day, the engineering and consultancy group announced 1,000 job cuts and plans to sell most of its architecture business and its operations in China. [1]

Arcadis had rejected several unsolicited takeover offers from Canadian rival WSP Global in recent months. WSP withdrew its bid last week. [1]

Update

The AEX rose 0.4% to 1,124.69 points in early trading on Wednesday, 30 September, after closing at a record level on Tuesday. Chip shares had helped lift the index to that record close; on Wednesday morning, ASML and ASMI gained as much as 0.9%, while Besi edged lower. [2]

The MidKap was up 0.3% at 1,083.71 points in early trading. US inflation and ADP private-sector employment figures were due later on Wednesday, followed by the US government jobs report on Friday. [2]

Update

The AEX closed at 1,114.90 points on Wednesday 30 September, after reaching an intraday record of 1,127.38 earlier in the session. The Amsterdam index finished 0.5% lower. [3]

The MidKap index of mid-sized companies fell 0.8% to 1,082.38 points. Frankfurt, London and Paris also ended lower, with losses of up to 0.9%. [3]