The Dutch AEX index closed higher, driven by strong performance in shares of semiconductor equipment manufacturers ASML and ASMI. This positive close coincided with the expected decision by the U.S. Federal Reserve to hold interest rates steady. Investors are now focused on the first press conference of newly appointed Fed Chair Kevin Warsh. The market anticipates Warsh will provide insights into the future direction of U.S. monetary policy. His statements are expected to influence investor sentiment and potentially impact global markets. The gains in ASML and ASMI significantly contributed to the AEX’s overall positive trajectory. The focus now shifts to interpreting Warsh’s guidance on inflation and economic growth.