The DAX 40 fell for a second consecutive session on Tuesday, losing 0.3% to trade around 25,930, broadly in line with other major European indices. Persistent strength in oil and gas prices amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East stoked inflation concerns ahead of this week’s European Central Bank policy meeting.
The ECB is widely expected to raise its key interest rate by a further 25 basis points to 2.5% on Thursday, which would mark its second hike this year.
Technology stocks led the declines, with banks, insurers, and industrials also under pressure. Infineon Technologies dropped nearly 3% after Morgan Stanley cut its rating to “equal weight” from “overweight,” making it the weakest performer on the index. Other notable laggards included Heidelberg Materials, Continental, Siemens Energy, Adidas, Airbus, and Deutsche Bank, each shedding between 1% and 2%.
On the upside, Fresenius SE & Co. and Scout24 were the strongest gainers, advancing 1.7% and 1.5%, respectively.
