Investor Optimism Around AI Boosted ASML (ASML) in Q3

Core Insights - Polen Capital's "Polen International Growth Strategy" reported a return of -4.23% gross and -4.53% net of fees for Q3 2025, underperforming the MSCI ACWI (ex-USA) which gained 6.89% [1] - The strategy's concentrated quality investing approach did not yield expected results during the quarter [1] Company Performance - ASML Holding N.V. (NASDAQ:ASML) was highlighted as a key stock in the Polen International Growth Strategy, with a one-month return of 9.51% and a 52-week gain of 58.76% [2][3] - ASML's stock closed at $1,119.69 on December 08, 2025, with a market capitalization of $434.605 billion [2] Market Context - The performance of ASML was bolstered by investor optimism surrounding AI, as semiconductor capital equipment companies benefited from the demand for advanced chips essential for AI applications [3] - Concerns regarding a slowdown in the memory chip industry and Intel's performance diminished during the quarter, positively impacting semi-cap stocks [3] Hedge Fund Interest - ASML was held by 82 hedge fund portfolios at the end of Q3 2025, an increase from 78 in the previous quarter, indicating growing interest among institutional investors [4]