FRANKFURT (dpa-AFX) - ASML shares fell significantly in early trading on Wednesday. The stock ultimately lost 1.7 percent after coming under even greater pressure at the start of trading. The share thus continued its consolidation following the sharp rise since the beginning of August, which had taken it from around EUR 600 to EUR 900.
In addition to moderate performance by US technology stocks, the shares were weighed down by a report that a US congressional committee had determined that products from major semiconductor equipment manufacturers such as ASML, KLA, and Lam Research were also being used for military purposes in China. This fueled concerns about export restrictions.
Other semiconductor equipment stocks such as Aixtron in the MDax also declined, with JPMorgan's cautious assessment playing a role in Aixtron's case. Analyst Craig McDowell sees a slower recovery in Aixtron's core markets. He initiated coverage with a "neutral" rating and a price target of €13.40. Aixtron's share price fell by almost seven percent to €13.55./mf/mis
