European stock markets experienced a subdued close to the week, with the DAX finishing marginally lower. The index concluded the Xetra session at 24,163 points, representing a decline of 0.1 percent from the previous day’s close. Initial weakness gave way to a brief rally during the afternoon before stabilizing.
Market analyst Andreas Lipkow noted investor caution, stating that focus remains largely on defensive sectors. He highlighted a light economic calendar and attention to corporate earnings reports, specifically those of Munich Re. Overall trading volume was described as thin, resulting in narrow price fluctuations.
Shares of Fresenius, Merck and Commerzbank led the gainers towards the close of trading, while Munich Re and Hannover Rück experienced the steepest declines.
Commodity markets presented a mixed picture. Natural gas prices fell by 2 percent, reaching 32 euros per Megawatt-hour for September delivery. This price level, if sustained, could translate to consumer costs of at least eight to ten cents per kilowatt-hour, including taxes and ancillary costs.
Conversely, crude oil prices edged higher. Brent crude reached 66.74 US dollars per barrel, a gain of 0.5 percent on the day.
In currency markets, the Euro depreciated slightly against the US dollar, trading at 1.1665 US dollars. This equates to 0.8573 Euros per US dollar.
