Frankfurt's DAX 40 advanced further to close about 1.1% firmer at 25,287 on Wednesday, the highest since mid-January, mirroring its European peers. The main support came from defense stocks, following reports that Berlin is considering a minority stake in KNDS, the Franco-German maker of Leopard tanks, ahead of its planned listing later this year. At the same time, geopolitical risks persisted. Renk climbed 4.7%, Rheinmetall surged 4.6% and Hensoldt rose 4.2%. Market sentiment also improved on easing AI fears. Siemens, Infineon Technologies and SAP saw gains ranging between 2.1% and 4.1%. Among other stocks, Heidelberg Materials (4.6%), Siemens Energy (3.4%), Commerzbank (2.8%) and Deutsche Bank (2.2%) performed solidly.
Germany's main stock market index, the DE40, rose to 25327 points on February 18, 2026, gaining 1.32% from the previous session. Over the past month, the index has climbed 1.48% and is up 12.90% compared to the same time last year, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks this benchmark index from Germany. Historically, the Germany Stock Market Index (DE40) reached an all time high of 25584.60 in January of 2026. Germany Stock Market Index (DE40) - data, forecasts, historical chart - was last updated on February 18 of 2026.
Germany's main stock market index, the DE40, rose to 25327 points on February 18, 2026, gaining 1.32% from the previous session. Over the past month, the index has climbed 1.48% and is up 12.90% compared to the same time last year, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks this benchmark index from Germany. The Germany Stock Market Index (DE40) is expected to trade at 24546.14 points by the end of this quarter, according to Trading Economics global macro models and analysts expectations. Looking forward, we estimate it to trade at 22094.52 in 12 months time.