FX.co ★ European Stocks Lower as Chip Sell-Off Weighs

European stocks fell on Friday, with the STOXX 50 down 0.8% and the STOXX 600 slipping 0.6%, as a sharp sell-off in semiconductor shares that began in the US spread across Asia-Pacific and heavily pressured the tech sector. Renewed worries about stretched valuations overshadowed solid earnings reports from ASML and TSMC, while rising tensions in the Middle East further weakened risk sentiment.

Technology names led the declines, with ASML Holding dropping 3.9%, Infineon 4.8% and STMicroelectronics 5.8%. Burberry also lagged the market, losing around 5% after its latest results disappointed investors. By contrast, utilities and consumer staples advanced. Saab climbed 2.6% after reporting record order intake, while Vodafone rose 3.0% and National Grid gained 2.2%, placing them among the session’s strongest performers.

For the week, the STOXX 50 is up 0.2% and the STOXX 600 has added 0.4% so far.