Yesterday,
- European markets extended their rally for a second session, driven by gains in technology stocks following strong earnings from chip equipment maker ASML (ASML.NL; ASML:NA). The results reassured investors about the resilience of AI chip demand, easing concerns from an earlier sell-off sparked by China’s DeepSeek unveiling a lower-power AI model.
- The Federal Reserve kept its overnight borrowing rate steady at 4.25–4.5%, in line with market expectations. Wall Street stocks dipped following the announcement. Investors now await the European central bank’s upcoming interest rate decision.
- Among significant movers on the Stoxx 600, shares of ASML (ASML.NL; ASML:NA) were up 5.5% following stronger-than-expected Q4 results. Shares of the Swedish truck maker Volvo B (VOBF.SE; VOLVB:SS) were up 7.7% after the company reported better-than-expected results for Q4 FY24.
- The Stoxx 600 recoded its biggest one-day gain in a week, closing 0.5% higher. The index was trading at its fresh 52-week high. We recommend a selective approach to adding names on a high-volume breakout or decisive retake of their key moving averages.
- Most sectors closed in positive territory, with Technology (+240bps) and Telecommunications (+174bps) leading the gains. Food and Beverage (-73bps) and Chemicals (-44bps) were the sole laggards.
- Among major indices, France’s CAC 40 closed lower for a third straight session, inching closer to support at its 10-DMA (-0.6%). Germany’s DAX 30 closed almost 1% higher, making new highs. The U.K.’s FTSE 100 closed 0.3% higher on higher volume, trading above all its key moving averages.
- Twelve of the 16 indices we track closed in the green. Twelve are in a Confirmed Uptrend, one in an Uptrend Under Pressure, and three in a Rally Attempt. The average distribution day count stood at 2.1.
- Of the 30 European Focus List names, 29 ideas are trading above their 200-DMA, while 25 ideas are trading above their 50-DMA.
- Games Workshop (GAW.GB; GAW:LN) was added to the European Markets Focus List as the stock is actionable after breaking out of a stage-two seven-week cup base.
- Actionable names in the Focus List include 3i Group (III.GB; III:LN), Games Workshop (GAW.GB; GAW:LN), Adyen (ADYE.NL; ADYEN:NA), Safran (SGM.FR; SAF:FP), Technogym (TGYM.IT; TGYM:IM), and Hugo Boss (BOSSX.DE; BOSS:GR).