The DAX Index Closes 0.89% Higher

The DAX 40 closed about 0.9% firmer at 25,118 on Thursday, following sharp losses in the prior two sessions. The rebound was largely driven by tech stocks, buoyed by the possibility of China opening up to Nvidia chips and the success of the IPO of SK Hynix shares in the United States. Meanwhile, investors remained watchful for any developments in the Middle East amid ongoing US-Iran tensions. Among stocks, Infineon Technologies gained over 4%, with AI infrastructure stocks such as Siemens Energy (3.3%) an Hochtief (2.7%) also advancing solidly. Qiagen shares surged over 10%, driven by renewed takeover rumors. Bloomberg reported that the European molecular testing company is attracting preliminary takeover interest from private equity firms, including EQT AB and Advent. On the flip side, Rheinmetall (-4.1%) lagged. Volkswagen shares fell 1.1% ahead of a key supervisory board meeting expected to outline deep cost-cutting measures, including up to 100,000 job cuts and factory closures.

The DAX Index rose 221 points or 0.89 percent on Thursday to close at 25118 points. Leading the gains are Qiagen NV (10.75%), Infineon (4.65%) and Zalando (3.48%). Top losers were Rheinmetall (-4.87%), Deutsche Boerse (-1.37%) and Daimler Truck Holding AG (-1.25%).

The DAX 40 rose 0.5% to cross the 25,000 mark on Thursday, recovering part of the steep losses recorded in the previous session, supported by a rebound in tech stocks amid renewed optimism over artificial intelligence. Sentiment was lifted by reports that SK Hynix's planned US ADR offering was more than seven times oversubscribed and by news that China plans to allow its leading AI companies to purchase a limited number of Nvidia H200 chips. Meanwhile, markets continued to monitor developments in the Middle East after fresh cross-border attacks overnight. Although oil prices retreated modestly, investors remained concerned that any escalation could reignite inflationary pressures. Infineon Technologies outperformed with a 3.1% gain, with AI infrastructure stocks such as Siemens, Siemens Energy an Hochtief also advancing solidly. Industrials, pharma & healthcare and banks moved higher as well. On the downside, Deutshe Telekom (-1.6%) and Rheinmetall (-1.2%) lagged.