European Shares Slide as Dutch Semiconductor Giant ASML Disappoints; Adidas Shines

European shares opened lower on Wednesday, driven by a downbeat forecast from Dutch semiconductor firm ASML. The pan-European STOXX 600 index fell 0.3%, with ASML shares dropping 5.3%. Additionally, potential U.S. trade restrictions on semiconductor technology added to the decline. Meanwhile, Adidas saw a 4.5% rise after increasing its full-year earnings forecast.

European shares opened lower for a third consecutive session on Wednesday, dragged down by a downbeat forecast from Dutch semiconductor firm ASML, while investors assessed potentially stringent trade rules from the United States.

The pan-European STOXX 600 index decreased by 0.3% as of 0717 GMT, with the technology sub-index plummeting 1.9%. ASML shares dropped 5.3% after underperforming third-quarter sales forecasts.

Further exacerbating losses was a report suggesting the United States may implement severe trade restrictions if companies continue providing advanced semiconductor technology to China. Other semiconductor stocks also declined, with ASM International and BE Semiconductor each falling over 2%.

On a positive note, Adidas gained 4.5% after the German sportswear giant raised its full-year earnings forecast following a robust second quarter. Rival Puma also saw a 2.5% uptick. Investors are also focused on the final euro zone inflation data for June, set for release at 0900 GMT, ahead of the European Central Bank's rate-setting meeting later this week.