European stocks hit record highs: The 10 best performers of 2026

The Stoxx 600 just hit a record high – here's what's driving the pan-European index

Stoxx 600 hit record as European semiconductors surged (Soitec +371%, AT&S +330%) on AI infrastructure capex, but recent pullback fuels build-out duration doubts. Strong chip fundamentals—committed orders and pricing—remain intact, yet volatility signals investor repricing of AI capex cycle timing.