The DAX Index Opens 0.61% Higher

The DAX 40 rose 0.7% to surpass 26,480 on Friday, setting fresh record highs and outperforming its European peers. Solid corporate earnings and easing interest rate worries kept market sentiment supported, despite ongoing uncertainty in the Middle East. Efforts to resolve the US-Iran conflict remained stalled amid continued attacks in the region, with Washington also threatening unprecedented economic measures against Tehran next week. Among individual stocks, heavyweight SAP climbed 4.8%, making it the top performer, buoyed by speculation about a multi-billion-dollar deal in the software industry. Other notable gainers included Rheinmetall (4.1%), Scout24 (3.3%), Hannover Ruck (1.9%) and MTU Aero Engines (1.7%). On the downside, E.ON (-3%), Hochtief (-2%), RWE (-1.9%), Deutsche Post (-1.5%) and Infineon Technologies (-0.8%) posted the biggest declines. For the week, the index was set to rise about 0.6%.

The DAX Index is picking up 160 points or 0.61 percent on Friday. Gains are led by SAP (4.04%), Rheinmetall (3.04%) and Hannover Rueck (1.77%). Biggest losers are E.ON (-1.81%), Vonovia (-1.33%) and RWE (-0.98%).

The DAX 40 moved into the red to close marginally down at 26,292 on Thursday, the second day of losses, despite remaining close to recent record highs. While lower oil prices and reduced concerns over interest rates provided support, uncertainty over the Iran conflict kept investors cautious. Meanwhile, attention remained focused on corporate earnings as the reporting season drew to a close. Among key movers, BASF (-2%), Mercedes-Benz Group (-1.5%) and Volkswagen (-1.3%) posted the biggest declines. On the upside, Continental emerged as the top performer, rising around 3%. RWE gained 2.5% after reporting better-than-expected first-half profit, helped by a Dutch compensation payment and stronger energy trading, while reaffirming its 2026 dividend and long-term profit targets.