DAX on Cautious Note

Frankfurt's DAX 40 inched higher on Tuesday after a cautious start, rising 0.8% to cross 23,350, mirroring other European peers. Investors returned from the Easter break with a focus on Middle East developments, particularly as the deadline for President Trump’s ultimatum to Iran looms. Hopes for a diplomatic breakthrough offered some support to market sentiment, though uncertainty persisted amid mixed signals from Washington. While President Trump warned of severe consequences if Iran failed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, he also described Iran as an “active, willing participant” in negotiations. Tech, media, chemicals, and banks drove sectoral gains, while utilities lagged. BASF, Infineon and Fresenius Medical Care topped the index, rising between 1.8% and 2.4%. Deutsche Telekom added 1%, tracking a rally in European media stocks following Pershing Square’s takeover offer for Universal Music Group. Conversely, Heidelberg Materials, Qiagen NV, RWE and Rheinmetall saw modest losses.

Frankfurt's DAX 40 swung between losses and gains on Tuesday, reflecting a cautious sentiment ahead of the expiration of President Trump's ultimatum to Iran. Investors continued to weigh mixed signals from President Donald Trump on the ongoing Iran conflict, balancing hopes of a potential ceasefire with continued geopolitical risks. While he warned of severe consequences if Iran failed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, he also described Iran as an “active, willing participant” in negotiations. Lingering uncertainties and energy supply disruptions continue to support oil prices. In equities, Heidelberg Materials, Qiagen NV and Symrise posted the biggest declines, falling 1.8%, 1.1% and 1%, respectively. Energy-sensitive Siemens Energy (-0.8%), Siemens (-0.5%) and SAP (-0.7%) were also down. On the upside, BASF, Fresenius Medical Care and Brenntag advanced the most, rising between 1.5% and 1.8%.

The DAX Index is losing -41 points. Losses were led by Siemens Energy (-1.62%), SAP (-1.12%) and HeidelbergCement (-0.84%). Offsetting the fall, top gainers were Fresenius Medical Care (1.42%), Brenntag (1.23%) and Beiersdorf (0.90%).