AI frenzy sees these European stocks gain over 100% this year in blockbuster rally
Get the Finance newsletter
Daily finance — markets, central banks, M&A, the prints that move money. Free.
- Aixtron stock surged 189% YTD (over 300% in the past 12 months) and Citi lifted its target price by more than 66% citing strong AI‑driven demand for its deposition equipment.
- Technoprobe shares rose 129% YTD; Bank of America upgraded the company to a buy rating, forecasting earnings growth from increased demand for probe cards used in graphics chip testing.
- STMicroelectronics stock climbed 133% YTD, driven by AI‑related demand for its power semiconductors in the 800‑volt transition and its optical connectivity products for data centers.
- Nokia stock jumped 108% YTD after pivoting to AI infrastructure, completing the Infinera acquisition and receiving a $1 billion share purchase from Nvidia.
- Fabio Bassi of J.P. Morgan said Europe’s limited number of liquid AI pure‑plays forces investors to concentrate on a small group of AI‑linked “proxies,” amplifying price gains.
Why it matters: Investors secure double‑digit returns—over 100% YTD—on European AI‑enabler stocks, while US/China chip giants miss out on fresh capital, cementing Europe’s niche as a critical supply‑chain hub for AI infrastructure.
