Frankfurt's DAX 40 reversed early gains to trade 0.3% lower around 25,380 on Wednesday, as weakness in technology shares and escalating tensions in the Middle East kept investors on edge ahead of the US Federal Reserve’s policy decision later in the day. Semiconductor stocks remained under pressure, with Infineon down 0.3% after a 6% slump on Tuesday. Risk sentiment was further hurt by a muted market reaction to SK Hynix’s results, which reignited worries about the strength of AI-related spending, while investors also looked ahead to earnings from major US tech firms due after the close.
At the same time, oil prices jumped more than 3% following renewed military strikes involving the US, Saudi Arabia, and Iran, heightening inflation concerns. Among individual movers, Deutsche Bank climbed 4% after posting stronger‑than‑expected second‑quarter results, RWE advanced more than 2% on upbeat first‑half earnings, and BASF gained 2.9% after unveiling a new share buyback program.
