Frankfurt’s DAX 40 inched higher on Friday, briefly moving above the 25,100 level as investors weighed a fresh batch of global economic data, including PMI surveys, alongside the ongoing earnings season. Geopolitical tensions—especially those involving Iran—remained in focus after US President Donald Trump reiterated that a deal would be reached “one way or another,” indicating a roughly 10–15 day window for progress.
On the macroeconomic front, flash PMI data showed German private sector activity strengthening to a four‑month high in February. In equity markets, Airbus, Porsche Automobil, Scout24, and Adidas were among the leading gainers, each rising as much as 1.7%. Defense stocks also advanced, with Rheinmetall up 0.8% and Hensoldt 0.4%.
Beyond the blue-chip index, Thyssenkrupp rallied more than 3% after receiving a buy rating from investment bank Jefferies. Meanwhile, Bayer (-1.9%), Infineon Technologies (-1.4%), and Zalando (-0.9%) registered the steepest losses on the DAX.
