The DAX Index Closes 1.41% Lower

The DAX Index decreased -319 points or 1.41 percent on Friday to close at 22294 points. The decline was led by Rheinmetall (-4.34%), Infineon (-3.96%) and Siemens Energy (-3.84%).

Frankfurt's DAX 40 fell about 1.4% to close at 22,315 on Friday, the lowest since April 2025, extending losses for the second day, as investors remained skeptical about the prospects of a ceasefire in the Iran conflict. Market anxiety persisted amid a week of contradictory news, even as US President Donald Trump delayed strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure by ten days to 6 April. Meanwhile, ECB President Christine Lagarde told The Economist on Thursday that markets may be underestimating the impact of the energy shock on the global economy, warning that Europe faces particular exposure. Industrials, techs, banks and utilities led sectoral declines. In equities, MTU Aero Engines (-4.1%) and Rheinmetall (-4%) lagged, with Infineon, Siemens Energy, Qiagen NV, Siemens and RWE, also posting steep declines. On the flip side, chemical giant BASF (+2.3%) saw strong buying following the inauguration of its new integrated production site in southern China. For the week, the index shed 0.3%.

Frankfurt's DAX 40 was down for a second session on Friday, falling over 1% to trade below 22,400, as investors remained cautious amid mixed signals surrounding developments in the Middle East. US President Trump extended the deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by ten days, setting a new date of 6 April, and said talks are “going very well,” despite repeated denials from Iran. At the same time, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul confirmed that indirect contacts are ongoing, with direct talks expected to take place in Pakistan. However, attacks have continued, and the Strait of Hormuz remains virtually impassable, continuing to put pressure on the oil market. Among the biggest losers were Siemens Energy and Infineon, dropping 4.4% and 2.8%, respectively. SAP shares, on the other hand, rose by 1.2%. For the week, the index was almost unchanged.