The DAX Index Opens 0.98% Lower

Frankfurt's DAX 40 fell 0.8% to around 24,900 on Wednesday, pressured by geopolitical uncertainty and the return of President Trump’s trade policy rhetoric. Reports of intense clashes between the US and Iran raised concerns over the fragile ceasefire, pushing oil prices higher. At the same time, the US administration on Tuesday proposed imposing additional tariffs of 10%–12.5% on imports from 60 economies, including the EU and the UK, over alleged links to goods produced with forced labour, potentially reopening trade tensions. Energy-sensitive airlines came under pressure, with Lufthansa down around 1%. Banks also moved lower, as Deutsche Bank and Commerzbank dropped 2.8% and 1.1%, respectively. Automakers, including BMW (-2%), Mercedes-Benz Group (-2%) and Volkswagen (-1.9%) slipped on concerns they could be targeted by fresh tariffs. Also, the AI-led rally that had boosted IT and chip stocks showed signs of fading, with Infineon Technologies falling 1.5% while SAP gained 0.3%.

The DAX Index is dropping 247 points. Leading the losses are Deutsche Bank (-2.65%), Scout24 (-2.24%) and MTU Aero Engines AG (-2.23%). Top gainers were E.ON (1.18%), RWE (0.73%) and Bayer (0.70%).

Frankfurt's DAX 40 pared some early gains to close about 0.5% up at 25,124 on Tuesday, as traders weighed prospects of a US–Iran agreement amid signs of easing Middle East tensions. US President Trump said talks with Iran were still underway and suggested an interim deal could be reached as early as next week, following a reported Israel–Hezbollah ceasefire in Lebanon. Meanwhile, Eurostat’s flash estimate showed inflation accelerating further in May, driven by volatile energy prices, highlighting persistent price pressures and reinforcing ECB rate-hike expectations. Among key movers, Infineon Technologies jumped over 9% to record highs, tracking a broader AI-led rally in semiconductor stocks. Deutsche Post rose over 3% following a buy recommendation from Kepler Cheuvreux. On the downside, SAP reversed early gains and slipped 3%. Bayer shares fell 2.9%, pressured by continued litigation risks in the United States.