European stocks recovered Wednesday, April 21 from the worst downturn this year as fears of a rapid increase in Covid-19 cases in some countries were met with optimism about a strong results season.
Technology stocks recorded the biggest gains, rising about 2%, and semiconductor equipment company ASML jumped 5.4% after it raised its forecast for full-year sales, citing strong demand amid a global shortage of computer chips.
Its smaller rival ASM International rose 4.2% after it expected an increase in orders in Q2.
The share of Italian soccer club Juventus plummeted 10% after the separatist European Super League was shaken by the withdrawal of its six English clubs.
The European Stoxx600 index rose 0.6% in early trade after a seven-week rally hit by profit-taking on Tuesday.
The German DAX index rose 0.2%, the French CAC40 index 0.5%, and the British FTSE100 index added 0.4%.