The DAX Index Opens 2.56% Higher

Frankfurt's DAX 40 closed marginally down at 24,129 on Friday, marking the fifth consecutive session of decreases, as traders remained cautious ahead of the weekend, amid lingering geopolitical risks. News that Iran’s foreign minister was heading to Pakistan today lifted hopes that peace talks with the US could resume, although uncertainty remains over whether negotiations will restart. Meanwhile, shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz remains virtually halted. Investor attention was also on the earnings season. The aerospace and defense sector lagged, while technology outperformed. Rheinmetall slipped 5.5% and MTU Aero Engines fell 3%. On the upside, SAP rose 5.1% after reporting a 17% increase in first-quarter profit and beating estimates on strong growth in its cloud business. Siemens Energy gained 2.9% after raised its outlook for the 2026 fiscal year. For the week, the index lost about 2.3%.

The DAX Index decreased 26 points or 0.11 percent on Friday to close at 24129 points. The decline was led by Rheinmetall (-6.78%), MTU Aero Engines AG (-4.03%) and Bayer (-3.85%). On the upside, the strongest performers were SAP (4.92%), Siemens Energy (2.64%) and Infineon (1.50%).

Frankfurt's DAX 40 fluctuated around the flatline near 24,100 on Friday, as investors stayed cautious amid stalled US-Iran peace talks and lingering Hormuz disruptions. US President Trump announced on Thursday the extension of the truce between Lebanon and Israel for three weeks, but volatility continues, particularly in oil prices, reflecting broader geopolitical uncertainty. Meanwhile, the earnings season remains in focus. Aerospace and defense was the weakest-performing sector, while technology outperformed. MTU Aero Engines and Airbus dropped 4.4% and 3%, respectively. On the upside, SAP jumped 7% after reporting a 17% increase in first-quarter profit, beating estimates on strong growth in its cloud business. In corporate news, Bayer is holding its Annual General Meeting, where CEO Bill Anderson is expected to lay out plans for a prolonged restructuring. Merck will also face shareholder scrutiny on Friday. For the week, the index is set to decline over 2%.