AEX Climbs 0.97% to New Record High Led by Tech Rally

Dutch stocks closed higher on May 22 as the AEX rose 0.97% to another all-time high, extending the record-setting streak that began earlier in the week. The advance built on a strong 1.46% surge on May 20 driven by ASML's 6.73% jump and a modest 0.12% gain on May 21 that saw BE Semiconductor hit 270.40. Technology and basic materials names led the latest session, with ASML rising 4.74% to 1,409 and ASM International reaching a fresh peak at 900.80. Market volatility held steady at 21.09, reflecting sustained bullish sentiment across Dutch equities despite mixed commodity moves.