Doha: European stock indices closed at a record high Wednesday, boosted by gains in the chemicals and healthcare sectors. The pan-European Stoxx 600 index rose 0.18 percent to 611.56 points.

According to Qatar News Agency, shares of EMS Chemie jumped 8 percent, making it one of the best performing stocks on the Stoxx index. On the earnings front, Finnish pharmaceutical company Orion saw its shares surge 12 percent to their highest level since October after the company forecast better-than-expected revenue in 2026.

AstraZeneca shares gained 2.4 percent following the company's announcement of its agreement to acquire Boston-based artificial intelligence firm Modela. The stock also received a boost from a 1.3 percent rise in the broader healthcare sector.

Germany's DAX index experienced a decline of 0.5 percent, primarily due to a downturn in technology stocks.