London, July 15 (SANA) European stocks were little changed on Wednesday as escalating tensions in the Middle East offset gains in the technology sector, where upbeat guidance from Dutch chip equipment maker ASML boosted investor sentiment.
The pan-European STOXX 600 index edged down 0.1% to 641.07, with losses across most sectors outweighing gains in technology shares, according to Reuters.
Germany’s benchmark index underperformed regional peers, falling about 1%, weighed down by a 2% decline in SAP shares. Other software companies, including Dassault Systèmes and Capgemini, also fell more than 1%.
Technology stocks rose 1.4% after ASML raised its 2026 financial outlook, sending its shares up 6% and reinforcing expectations of sustained demand driven by artificial intelligence. Semiconductor-related companies, including ASM International and Soitec, also gained more than 2%.
Swiss luxury group Richemont, owner of the Cartier brand, climbed 5.3% after reporting stronger-than-expected first-quarter results, supported by robust jewellery sales in Asia and the Americas.
Investors continued to assess corporate earnings and company outlooks while monitoring developments in the Middle East. Oil prices rose to around $85 a barrel amid heightened tensions between Iran and the United States.
R.H/Abd
