German stock market index, the DAX, experienced a slight decline at the close of trading Friday, settling at 24,163 points, a decrease of 0.1 percent from the previous day’s close. The index saw initial weakness before a modest rally in the afternoon, ultimately stabilizing.
Market analyst Andreas Lipkow noted investor caution, observing a focus on defensive sectors. He attributed the day’s limited market movement to a thin economic calendar, highlighting quarterly earnings from Munich Re as a key data point. Overall trading volume remained low, contributing to narrow price fluctuations throughout the day.
Shares of Fresenius, Merck and Commerzbank led the gainers, while reinsurance companies Munich Re and Hannover Re were among the lowest performers.
Energy markets presented a mixed picture. Natural gas prices fell by 2 percent, reaching 32 euros per megawatt-hour for September delivery, potentially translating to consumer prices of 8 to 10 cents per kilowatt-hour including all associated costs, should current levels hold. Conversely, Brent crude oil prices edged up to 66.74 US dollars per barrel, a gain of 0.5 percent.
The Euro also experienced slight downward pressure, trading at 1.1665 US dollars, while the US dollar was valued at 0.8573 Euros.