DAX Attempts Recovery

The DAX 40 rose around 0.3% to trade just above the 26,000 mark on Friday, snapping a four-session losing streak, led by gains in technology stocks and utilities. However, sentiment remained cautious amid elevated oil prices and bond yields, alongside persistent geopolitical uncertainty. On the data front, Germany’s private sector continued to expand modestly in August, as a strong rebound in manufacturing offset another contraction in services. Chipmaker Infineon Technologies and AI-focused Hochtief and Siemens Energy were among the top performers, advancing 1.8%,1.7% and 1%, respectively. RWE also stood out, up 1.9%. By contrast, top decliners included Qiagen NV, MTU Aero Engines, Rheinmetall, Bayer and Fresenius Medical Care, falling between 1% and 1.9%. The index was set to record its first weekly drop in five weeks, losing around 1.5%.

The DAX Index is picking up 40 points or 0.15 percent on Friday. Gains are led by Infineon (2.44%), Adidas (1.29%) and RWE (1.15%). Biggest losers are Qiagen NV (-1.75%), MTU Aero Engines AG (-1.31%) and Bayer (-1.25%).

The DAX 40 finished about 0.4% down at 25,983 on Thursday, the lowest since July 31 and extending losses for the fourth session. Further increases in oil prices due to the Iran war and rising yields in the bond markets weighed on market sentiment. Against the backdrop of deadlocked negotiations with Tehran, US President Trump threatened Iran with an "economic war". Retailers Adidas (-2.7%) and Puma (-1.8%) were among the top losers, tracking losses in US retail giant Walmart after its disappointing results and cautious outlook. Other laggards included MTU Aero Engines (-2%), Scout24 (-1.9%), Rheinmetall (-1.7%), Airbus (-1.5%) and Deutsche Telekom (-1.4%). Brenntag fell 1.2% after Bank of America resumed coverage with an Underperform rating and a €55 price target. On the flip side, Qiagen NV outperformed, rising 3.1%, with Symrise (+1.9%) also advancing solidly.