The DAX Index Opens 1.07% Higher

Frankfurt's DAX 40 reversed early gains of more than 1% to trade slightly down around 22,700 on Friday, as crude oil prices resumed their upward trend amid persistent global uncertainty. The simultaneous expiration of futures and options on indices and stocks is also increasing market volatility. Israel agreed to halt energy-field attacks on Iran at Trump’s request, but Tehran’s assault on a Kuwaiti refinery suggests the risk of further escalation remains. Meanwhile, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Thursday said that the US could lift sanctions on Iranian oil already in the sea to ease pressure, which could provide some respite for US allies. In equities, SAP was at the bottom with losses of over 3%, followed by Zalando (-1.9%), GEA Group (-1.6%), Deutsche Borse (-1.6%) and Scout24 (-1.5%). On the flip side, Infineon surged 4.2% after JPMorgan upgraded the stock, citing stronger demand linked to AI-driven power technologies. For the week, the index is likely to drop over 3%.

Frankfurt's DAX 40 advanced more than 1% toward 23,100 on Friday, attempting to recover from a sharp drop the prior day, as oil prices eased on easing supply risks and hopes of de-escalation in the Middle East conflict. However, markets remain sensitive to geopolitical news, which could heighten volatility alongside “quadruple expiration” day of stock index derivatives. Meanwhile, traders continued to weigh the cautious tone struck by major central banks, particularly the ECB and the Federal Reserve. Technology stocks and banks led sectoral gains. Among equities, Infineon stood out, rising 5.4%, after JPMorgan upgraded the stock, citing stronger demand linked to AI-driven power technologies .Heidelberg Materials (4.9%), Bayer (3.4%) and Commerzbank (3.3%) were also among the top gainers. On the flip side, Deutsche Borse (-1.3%), Scout24 (-0.9%) and GEA Group (-0.9%) saw the biggest losses. For the week, the index was set to decline about 1.5%.

The DAX Index is gaining 245 points or 1.07 percent on Friday. Leading the gains are Infineon (5.42%), HeidelbergCement (4.53%) and Commerzbank (3.66%).