economy
January 12, 2026
European markets close higher; Dutch chip stock BESI pops over 7% after posting fourth-quarter prelim order jump of 195%
European stocks moved into cautiously positive territory on Monday as investors weigh geopolitical developments and pressure on Fed Chair Jerome Powell.
TL;DR
- The pan-European Stoxx 600 index closed Monday's session over 0.1% higher.
- Investors are monitoring geopolitical developments in Iran, with U.S. President Trump reportedly weighing action.
- BE Semiconductor Industries expects fourth-quarter orders to exceed 250 million euros, a 43% rise from the previous quarter.
- Heineken shares tumbled 6% after CEO and Chairman Dolf van den Brink announced his intention to step down.
- Paris-listed shares in Abivax soared amid takeover rumors.
- U.S. stocks fell at the opening bell after the Department of Justice opened a criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.
- Powell confirmed the investigation is related to his testimony on Fed office building renovations and stated he would not bow to pressure.
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