The DAX Index Closes 0.95% Higher

Frankfurt’s DAX 40 extended its gains to close about 1% firmer at 25,622 on Friday, the highest since September 17, in line with regional peers. Defense stocks provided a significant boost to the index. Rheinmetall climbed 6.1%, as European leaders gathered in Brussels to reaffirm their support for President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.amidst the escalating conflict in Ukraine. Autos also advanced solidly, led by BMW (3.1%), Mercedes-Benz Group (3%) and Volkswagen (2.7%), partly buoyed by hopes of greater flexibility in EU emissions. Some easing in concerns over interest rates and AI investment also helped support broader market sentiment, despite prevailing caution. Meanwhile, investors continued to evaluate earnings reports from major companies from both sides of the Atlantic, while also keeping a close watch on geopolitical developments in the Middle East.. For the week, the index rose approximately 2.1%.

The DAX Index gained 240 points or 0.95 percent on Friday to close at 25623 points. Gains were led by Rheinmetall (6.53%), BMW (3.52%) and Scout24 (3.40%). Biggest losers were SAP (-1.08%), Continental (-0.34%) and Infineon (-0.29%).

Frankfurt’s DAX 40 rose 0.6% to above 25,500 on Friday, reaching a more than three-week high and extending its gains for a third consecutive session. Market sentiment was supported by easing concerns over AI spending and interest rates, while lower oil prices also provided some relief. Meanwhile, traders continued to monitor corporate earnings and geopolitical developments. Most sectors traded higher, led by autos, industrials, retailers, banks and telecom stocks. BMW, Mercedes-Benz Group and Volkswagen were among the top gainers, rising around 2% each. Rheinmetall, Scout24, Fresenius SE & Co, Zalando and Heidelberg Materials also advanced firmly. Commerzbank rose 1.1% after the ECB approved UniCredit’s plans to increase its stake, raising hopes that the deal could improve the bank’s profitability. On the losing side, Infineon (-0.6%) and Beiersdorf (-0.4%) lagged.