The DAX finished higher Thursday, closing at 25,289 points – a rise of 0.5 % from the previous day’s close.
Analyst Andreas Lipkow of CMC Markets noted that after a slow start the index gained momentum and briefly crossed the 25,300‑point mark. However, when the U.S. markets opened, the high‑flying stock Nvidia posted fresh strong results, prompting profit‑taking that pulled the DAX down again. Lipkow said the 25,300 level has already acted as a reversal point three times this February, and that any rebound could erode investors’ patience. To hit the all‑time high, the DAX would need to break through that barrier soon.
Investors appear to have let go of some caution about geopolitical and trade‑policy uncertainties, but caution persists because trading volume has been falling for several days. The ongoing consolidation in the index is therefore on shaky ground. The analyst added that if buyers return with higher trading volume, new opportunities could arise.
Before market close, shares of SAP and Deutsche Börse topped Frankfurt’s list, while Heidelberg Materials led the bottom of the list. The company posted a record profit in its latest quarterly results, but the guidance disappointed investors. The market also reacted to discussions that climate regulations might ease. Heidelberg Materials had already invested early in more climate‑friendly production.
Gas prices rose sharply: one megawatt‑hour of gas for March delivery cost 32 €-a 3 % increase over the previous day. If this level persists, the consumer price would be at least about 8-10 cents per kilowatt‑hour, including additional costs and taxes.
Oil advanced markedly: Brent crude was priced at 72.29 USD per barrel at 5:00 p.m. German time, up 2 % from the previous close.
The euro was slightly weaker in the afternoon: one euro bought 1.1789 USD, making the dollar worth 0.8482 euros.