What happened
Dutch chip equipment maker ASML raised its fourth-quarter sales forecast above expectations and reported strong orders. The figures helped calm fears that AI-related investment is slowing down.
Why it matters
ASML is the largest supplier of lithography machines used in advanced chip manufacturing. Its orders are seen as an early indicator of how much chipmakers plan to invest in the coming period.
A strong order book suggests demand for AI data centers and chips has not weakened in the near term, a positive signal for the wider semiconductor supply chain.
