The DAX Index Opens 0.28% Lower

Frankfurt's DAX 40 traded slightly below the flatline around 24,700 on Thursday, after a three-day recovery, as traders continued to assess developments in the Middle East amid continued uncertainty around a possible US-Iran peace deal. Iran said it is reviewing the latest US proposal to end the conflict after President Trump signaled he would wait a few more days for Tehran’s response. On the data front, a fresh PMI survey showed Germany’s private sector contracted for a second straight month in May, amid weakening demand and elevated inflationary pressures. Among equities, Commerzbank led losses, falling 3.6%. Commerzbank led equity losses, falling 3.6%, amid renewed takeover pressure from UniCredit following the rejection of its €39 billion offer on Monday. Brenntag (-3.1%) and Airbus (-2.3%) also posted significant losses. Meanwhile, Infineon shares continued their good run, up 1.5%, benefiting from Nvidia's earnings report.

The DAX Index is falling 177 points. Losses were driven by Airbus (-2.66%), Siemens Energy (-1.50%) and RWE (-1.10%). Biggest rises came from Qiagen NV (1.35%), Merck (1.26%) and Deutsche Boerse (1.01%).

Frankfurt's DAX 40 gained ground to close about 1.4% firmer at 24,737 on Wednesday, the highest since May 6, in line with other European peers. Renewed optimism over a possible agreement to end the war in Iran boosted market sentiment. US President Trump said that talks with Iran were close to a conclusion, which could restore energy flows through the Straight of Hormuz. In equities, Infineon Technologies was the top performer, rising 5%, on AI enthusiasm ahead of Nvidia's earnings release. Other notable gainers included Deutsche Bank (4.3%), MTU Aero Engines (4.1%) and Siemens Energy (3.9%).