As the trading week concluded, the Dax finished at the same level as the previous day. At the close of Xetra trading, the index was calculated at 23,804 points, marking a small decrease compared to the day before. After a hesitant start, the Dax managed some gains until midday before losing them again in the afternoon.
Andreas Lipkow, Chief Market Analyst at CMC Markets, commented that sentiment has been dampened by the conflict in Iran and the resulting sharp increase in energy prices. He noted that prior to the conflict, noticeable signs of a bottom in the German economy suggested a potential trend reversal. However, this economic upward movement is now questionable because it remains unclear how the recent events will affect inflation and consumer behavior.
According to Lipkow, the upcoming weekend might cause some unease for most investors, given the uncertainty surrounding the actions of the warring parties over the next 48 hours. He described the current political and military developments in the Middle East as too fast-paced and complicated.
Among top performers heading into the end of trading in Frankfurt were shares from Heidelberg Materials, BASF, and BMW. At the bottom of the price list were the stocks of Zalando, Hannover Rück, and Rheinmetall.
Meanwhile, the gas price dropped. A megawatt-hour (MWh) of gas for delivery in May cost 44 euros, representing a five percent decrease from the previous day. If this price level remains stable, it suggests a consumer price of at least around nine to eleven cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh), inclusive of ancillary costs and taxes.
Conversely, the oil price increased. A barrel of North Sea Brent oil was priced at $96.31 on Friday afternoon around 5 PM German time, which was 39 cents, or 0.4 percent, higher than the close of the previous trading day.
The common currency of the European community strengthened on Friday afternoon; one euro cost $1.1735, meaning the dollar could be purchased for 0.8522 euros.