The German market index, DAX, remained in negative territory throughout the day on Friday, following a weak start. By about 12:30 PM, the leading index had fallen to approximately 24,460 points, marking a 0.8 percent decrease compared to the previous day’s closing level.
According to Andreas Lipkow, Chief Market Analyst at CMC Markets, investors remain cautious and reserved ahead of the upcoming weekend. He noted that the current environment does not allow for risky speculation. Lipkow attributed this guarded sentiment partly to the unpredictable nature of the Middle Eastern conflict, whose developments have often been made minute-by-minute, making it difficult for investors to definitively assess the situation.
This volatility was also reflected in the extreme swings of oil prices, which subsequently impacted the equity markets. Lipkow pointed out that defensive sectors are currently the focus within the DAX, citing gains for Fresenius and Fresenius Medical Care. Furthermore, the sustained enthusiasm in the semiconductor sector continues to lift Infineon’s stock. Conversely, Rheinmetall, which currently occupies the lowest spot in the DAX 40, continues to contend with several negative analyst reports.
In the currency market, the Euro strengthened slightly on Friday afternoon, trading at 1.1764 US dollars, meaning the dollar was priced at 0.8501 euros.
Commodity movements showed mixed results. Gold posted a notable gain, rising 1.1 percent in the afternoon trade, reaching $4,743 per fine ounce, equivalent to 129.62 euros per gram. Meanwhile, oil prices dropped sharply. At the midday point on Friday, a barrel of North Sea Brent crude cost $100.10, representing a 1.2 percent decrease or 121 cents less than the previous day’s close.