European markets experienced a cautious start to the week, with Germany’s DAX index closing at 24,273 points, a decrease of 0.4 percent from the previous trading day. Market analyst Andreas Lipkow noted investor restraint, with focus primarily directed toward financial sector results and wind turbine manufacturers.
Performance within the DAX was clearly divided, with shares in Rheinmetall and banking/finance entities leading gains, while energy providers and chemical companies largely registered losses. Trading volumes remained thin overall.
Investors are currently monitoring forthcoming US housing data and the Dallas Fed’s business index, though these are not anticipated to significantly impact financial markets.
Currency markets saw a slight weakening of the Euro, trading at 1.1679 US dollars. Concurrently, the US dollar was valued at 0.8562 Euros.
The price of gold remained relatively stable, with a fine ounce trading at 3,372 US dollars, equivalent to 92.83 Euros per gram.
Oil prices, however, saw noticeable gains. Brent crude futures rose 1.4 percent to 68.66 US dollars per barrel by late afternoon trading in Germany.