European Markets Slip as Democratic Wins Hit AI Stocks

European stock markets mostly fell Thursday after US midterm election results, with AI-related technology stocks declining globally following Democratic victories. Paris was the exception, rising 0.34%, while Frankfurt lost 0.43%, Milan 1.03%, and London 0.43%. Newly elected Democrats campaigned on slowing AI data center construction, sparking fears of tighter regulation. Semiconductor and chip stocks, essential for these centers, were hit hardest, including STMicroelectronics (-9.33%) and Soitec (-16.73%) in Paris. Brussels' BEL 20 index bucked the trend, setting a new closing record at 6,015.09 points, up 0.60%, its 32nd intraday record this year. Air France-KLM surged 12.06% after reporting a 22% rise in third-quarter net profit.