The DAX recovered part of its early‑day losses and moved toward yesterday’s level by mid‑afternoon. At about 12:30 p.m. German time the index was calculated at roughly 24,975 points, approximately 0.1 percent below its previous‑close level.
Analyst Andreas Lipkow of CMC Markets explained that Frankfurt investors remain uneasy over U.S. tariff disputes and weaker‑than‑expected quarterly results from two DAX companies. He added that the tariff situation has shifted again in recent hours, creating escalating momentum between the EU and the United States. The key question is how the two economic blocs can reach an agreement in the absence of clear guidance.
Other factors weighed on sentiment. Tensions in the Middle East and growing pressure on the software sector from advancing artificial intelligence add to market uncertainty, leaving the stock market pulled from many different directions.
Shares of MTU Aero and Fresenius Medical Care fell because their updated annual forecasts no longer convinced investors. For MTU, rising costs are eroding overall margins and ultimately free cash flow. On the upside, the market remains positive for utilities, automotive stocks, and reinsurance names. At present, 22 of the 40 DAX constituents are positioned on the gains side, and investors remain cautiously optimistic despite widespread caution.
The euro weakened slightly in the afternoon: 1 U.S. dollar was worth 1.1783 euros, while 1 U.S. dollar equated to 0.8487 euros. Gold prices slipped as well; a fine troy ounce fetched $5,177, a 1 percent decline, translating to €141.25 per gram. Brent crude fell marginally, trading at $71.35 per barrel at about 12 p.m. German time-14 cents, or 0.2 percent, lower than the previous day’s close.
