The DAX Index Opens 0.22% Lower

Frankfurt's DAX 40 moved slightly into positive territory on Tuesday, rising 0.8% to around 23,740, mirroring gains across Europe as traders reacted to the latest Middle East developments. Indexes moved higher after Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed that Iran's top security official, Ali Larijani, and Basij commander Gholamreza Soleimani, were killed in airstrikes conducted by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in Tehran. This followed a new wave of Iranian strikes on Gulf energy facilities, which has pushed oil prices higher and kept global inflation concerns alive. Attention was also on the upcoming policy decisions from the ECB and the Federal Reserve, which are expected to maintain the status quo. E.ON, Siemens Energy and Hannover Ruck led gains, rising 3.3%. 2.8% and 2.1%, respectively. On the flip side, Scout24 (-1.5%) and Rheinmetall (-1.2%) were the biggest laggards.

Frankfurt's DAX 40 edged lower to around 23,490 on Tuesday, reversing yesterday's modest advance, as caution returned to markets amid increasing tensions in the Middle East. A new wave of Iranian strikes on Gulf energy facilities has driven oil prices higher, keeping global inflation concerns alive. Meanwhile, US President Trump accused some Western allies of ingratitude after several countries rejected his request to send warships to escort oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz. Attention was also on the upcoming policy decisions from the ECB and the Federal Reserve, both widely expected to keep interest rates unchanged. Rheinmetall, Qiagen NV, Fresenius SE & Co, MTU Aero Engines and Infineon Technologies were among the top losers, falling between 0.9%-1.4%. Conversely, defensive utility names like E.ON (1.7%) and RWE (1.3%) advanced the most.

The DAX Index is falling -51 points. Losses were driven by Rheinmetall (-2.16%), Fresenius (-1.19%) and Infineon (-1.17%). Biggest rises came from E.ON (1.78%), RWE (1.29%) and Zalando (0.82%).