AEX closes 0.59% higher as energy and materials lead
Published on 10/29/2026 at 22:43 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWSAEX ends Thursday session higher
- The AEX gained 0.59% at the close in Amsterdam on October 29, 2026.
- Telecoms, oil and gas, and basic materials supported the market, while Shell reached a record high after strong quarterly results and higher buybacks.
- The ECB kept interest rates unchanged but indicated that energy-related inflation risks could support a December rate hike.
The AEX finished Thursday's trading session in Amsterdam 0.59% higher. The move came as investors weighed supportive corporate results and the European Central Bank's decision to leave interest rates unchanged, while renewed concerns about artificial intelligence spending continued to weigh on technology shares globally.
According to Investing.com, the AEX rose 0.59% at the close, with gains led by the telecoms, oil and gas, and basic-materials sectors. Advancing stocks outnumbered decliners on the Amsterdam exchange, with 52 shares rising, 38 falling and eight unchanged.
Energy and materials support Dutch equities
Among the stronger AEX constituents, CVC Capital Partners gained 2.80%, ArcelorMittal advanced 2.39% and Shell rose 2.16%. ING Groep and Akzo Nobel were among the weaker performers, declining 2.02% and 0.94%, respectively, according to the same market report.
Shell also featured prominently in the broader European market picture. A Reuters report published by Euronext said the energy company reached a record high after reporting its highest quarterly profit since 2022 and increasing its share-buyback programme. Strong earnings therefore provided support for European equities despite wider economic uncertainty.
ECB holds rates, December outlook remains relevant
The ECB left its key interest rates unchanged at 2.5%. The central bank nevertheless warned that elevated energy costs were increasing inflation risks, leaving markets focused on the possibility of a further rate increase in December. Reuters reported that the decision, together with comments about ECB President Christine Lagarde's planned departure, was a major focus for European investors.
The day's advance also came against a more cautious international technology backdrop. Reuters noted that Alphabet's disappointing revenue and increased cash spending on AI infrastructure had pushed its shares sharply lower in premarket trading, while the European technology sector weakened. For the AEX, the contrasting performance of energy-related shares and technology-linked companies remained an important part of the session's market structure.
With Amsterdam's session already closed, the next AEX report will depend on the following Euronext trading session and any new, index-relevant developments. Further coverage is available on the AEX topic page.
