New York, February 2, 2026, 05:04 (EST) — Premarket
- Shares of ASML Holding N.V. slipped roughly 2.2% in U.S. premarket action.
- Tech-linked stocks took a hit amid a broad “risk-off” wave, with metals and crypto volatility sending shocks through the markets.
- Investors are focused on ASML’s annual report set for February 25 and the ex-dividend date coming up on February 10.
ASML Holding N.V. shares dipped roughly 2.2%, hitting $1,423 in Nasdaq premarket Monday, mirroring a broader selloff in tech stocks before the U.S. market open.
Dutch chip-equipment giant ASML holds a key position in advanced semiconductor manufacturing, providing extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography systems—the critical machines that etch the tiniest details on cutting-edge chips. Individual units can run up to about $250 million each. The company’s stock often serves as a rough gauge of capital investment trends throughout the AI chip supply chain.
Monday saw broad selling amid a market-wide “risk off” wave triggered by a steep drop in precious metals and renewed deleveraging in crowded trades. Christopher Forbes, head of Asia and Middle East at CMC Markets, described it as “risk off and de-leveraging – a flushing out of leverage in the system.” Investing.com
Concerns about U.S. policy and interest rates weighed on trading following Donald Trump’s nomination of Kevin Warsh as the next Federal Reserve chair. Investors, already questioning if the AI trade has overheated, grew more unsettled.
In early U.S. premarket action, Nvidia dropped roughly 2%, while Oracle fell about 3.5%, signaling that major AI-related stocks are also feeling pressure in the morning selloff.
ASML shares slipped roughly 2.9% to 1,180 euros in Amsterdam morning trade.
The dip comes after a surge of interest late last week when the company revealed a strong close to 2025 and projected 2026 net sales between 34 billion and 39 billion euros. Gross margin is expected to land between 51% and 53%, representing the revenue portion remaining after direct costs. They also rolled out a new share buyback plan, capping at 12 billion euros through the end of 2028.
During the earnings call, CEO Christophe Fouquet emphasized the company’s goal to streamline its structure and “really boost, again, our engineering capability, our innovation engine.” Analyst Nick Rossolillo from Chip Stock Investor weighed in, stating: “We think the investment thesis remains unchanged.” Reuters
Still, the stock’s sensitivity works both ways. When markets tighten and companies need to raise cash, pricey global exporters often feel the pinch first—even if their underlying business remains solid.
ASML faces a familiar risk: a slowdown in AI chip investments or tougher export restrictions could hit orders and margins, even as investors bet on sustained growth. Supply-chain and capacity issues can quickly reemerge amid market volatility.
Investors are gearing up for ASML’s annual report, set to drop on February 25, alongside dividend activity tied to the February 10 ex-dividend date. The company’s next quarterly earnings are due April 15.
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