VAT Group at over 1-yr high on sector AI optimism

Soitec SA

05/01/2026 13:13

** Shares in semiconductor supplier VAT Group VACN.S rise around 8% to their highest since October 2024

** Michael Foeth from Vontobel attributes the move to a wider optimism on sector outlook for 2026 driven by AI infrastructure build-out

** "The memory chip sector in particular is gaining strong momentum, which we expect to translate into capacity expansion and higher demand for manufacturing equipment in coming quarters," Foeth adds

** The STOXX 600 tech index .SX8P is up around 2%, following 2.5% rise on Friday

** France's Soitec SOIT.PA, Germany's Aixtron AIXGn.DE and Infineon IFXGn.DE are up 2%

** Chip equipment makers ASM ASMI.AS, Besi BESI.AS and ASML ASML.AS are up between 2% and 4%, with ASML also supported by a rating upgrade

 (Reporting by Anastasiia Kozlova)

 ((Anastasiia.Kozlova@thomsonreuters.com))