European chip stocks rally after ASML earnings; LVMH falls
The company logo before the ASML U.S. Technical Training Academy unveiling in Phoenix, Arizona, U.S., Nov. 20, 2025. Rebecca Noble | ReutersLONDON — European stocks were in mixed territory on Wednesday morning, as regional investors monitored key earnings reports.The pan-European Stoxx 600 was flat in early trade, with no consensus movement among sectors and major bourses. On Wednesday morning, Dutch semiconductor giant ASML reported orders that smashed expectations, while 2026 sales guidance was also ahead of estimates.Shares of the company jumped 5.9% in early trade, also pulling its European peers higher. Chip equipment maker ASMI was 2.2% higher, STMicro jumped 4%, and Infineon added 5.6%. European luxury conglomerate LVMH, which reported better-than-expected earnings after the bell on Tuesday and a second quarter of organic revenue growth, fell 7% in morning trade, placing it at the bottom of Stoxx 600.Investors will also be keeping an eye on U.S. earnings on Wednesday with Microsoft, Meta Platforms, and Tesla set to post their quarterly financial results after the closing bell. Apple will post its results on Thursday.The U.S. Federal Reserve's first rate decision of the year is also in focus on Wednesday. The central bank is widely expected to keep its benchmark interest rate steady at a target range of 3.5% to 3.75%, but traders will be seeking hints on longer-term changes to monetary policy. Fed funds futures trading suggests two quarter-percentage point cuts by the end of 2026, according to the CME FedWatch Tool.S&P 500 futures advanced 0.26% Wednesday morning while Asia-Pacific markets were mixed Wednesday.— CNBC's Pia Singh contributed to this market report.
