30 a..m., a 0.1 % lift above yesterday’s closing level. Leaders of the index were Deutsche Börse, Zalando, and SAP, while the bottom of the chain was occupied by Rheinmetall, E.ON, and Hannover Re.
A key focus for the day is the European Central Bank’s rate decision. Most analysts predict the ECB will maintain its pause on interest‑rate hikes.
Investor uncertainty has been escalating. “We are dealing with an extremely uncertain and nervous market” said Thomas Altmann of QC Partners. Political risks remain high, and concerns over the steep valuations of sectors such as AI are growing. Even the traditional safe haven of precious metals is no longer seen as secure.
Altmann noted that many investors are withdrawing from risk assets. Those who had purchased on margin are now forced into liquidations, while others are selling positions to meet margin calls, sparking a broad sell‑off that touches large portions of the market.
Yesterday’s trading day was the most volume‑heavy for the DAX this year, indicating that a large number of investors sold shares. Yet the market still attracted buyers, suggesting that the price level at which purchasers resume activity may slowly shift downward. As long as buyers remain, a sharp decline is unlikely.
The euro weakened slightly Thursday morning: one euro equaled 1.1806 USD, while one USD was worth 0.8470 EUR.
Brent crude fell significantly. At 9:00 a.m. CET, a barrel of North Sea Brent was priced at $68.33, down 0.113 USD or 1.6 % from the previous day’s close.