Frankfurt's DAX 40 closed about 1.5% lower at 22,581 on Thursday, erasing the previous session’s gains amid persistent uncertainty over an end to the war in the Middle East. After issuing a stark warning to Iran to show progress in talks or face intensified action, Trump later downplayed the likelihood of a negotiated deal he had hinted at during a Cabinet meeting, emphasizing that any breakthrough depends on Iran’s willingness to compromise. Prolonged tensions are pushing energy prices higher, adding to global inflationary pressures and fueling broader economic concerns.
Most sectors finished in the red, led by industrials, retailers, financials, and technology. Among individual names, Siemens Energy, Rheinmetall, MTU Aero Engines, Zalando, and Airbus fell between 3% and 5.2%. Porsche Automobil Holding slipped nearly 3% after reporting a decline in its after-tax profit for 2025, weighed down by rising costs both across the wider automotive group and at Porsche AG.
