The DAX Index Closes 1.41% Higher

The DAX Index went up by 338 points or 1.41 percent on Thursday to close at 24292 points. The rise was led by Deutsche Post (7.64%), Bayer (4.39%) and Brenntag (3.95%).

Frankfurt's DAX 40 rebounded to close about 1.4% firmer at 24,292 in the last trading session of April, halting an eight-day losing streak and booking a 7.1% monthly gain. Meanwhile, investors monitored geopolitical developments, a range of corporate earnings, economic data and central bank decisions. The ECB kept rates unchanged but left all options open for June and beyond. On the data front, Germany’s Q1 economic performance surprised to the upside, although it remained fragile. Deutsche Post led gains, surging 7.1% after reporting solid first-quarter results. MTU Aero Engines rose 2.8% after better-than-expected Q1 operating profit. Brenntag added 4.0% after UBS raised its price target from €42 to €60 and upgraded its rating to ‘neutral’ from ‘sell’. Volkswagen gained 1.1% and BASF rose 1.0%, with both reaffirming full-year guidance despite weaker first-quarter profits. On the downside, Munich Re (-2.7%) and GEA Group (-1.4%) were the top laggards, both trading ex-dividend.

Frankfurt's DAX 40 fell 0.7% to below 23,800 on Thursday, the lowest since Mid-April, marking the ninth straight session of losses. Investors digested the latest developments in the Middle East conflict and monitored a raft of corporate earnings and economic data, while awaiting the ECB policy decision later in the day. Oil prices climbed after reports that the US was considering further military action against Iran, fueling concerns over escalating tensions and prolonged supply constraints. Banks, financials, energy-sensitive industrials and consumer cyclicals were the most pressured. Among earnings reporters, BASF fell 0.5% on weaker Q1 profits, while Volkswagen slipped 0.3% following weaker-than-expected first-quarter profit. Porsche AG fell 0.5% after posting a drop in revenue while reaffirming its full-year guidance. Meanwhile, MTU Aero Engines released first-quarter results that exceeded analysts' expectations.