Frankfurt’s DAX 40 advanced 0.6% on Wednesday, briefly crossing the 26,000 mark and rebounding from the previous session’s losses. Global risk appetite improved after the Democratic victory in the US Congress, an outcome that is expected to limit President Trump’s ability to push through his legislative agenda. At the same time, investors remained focused on geopolitical developments and the ongoing corporate earnings season.
Most sectors traded in positive territory, led by banks, automakers, and retailers, while industrial stocks underperformed. Heidelberg Materials rallied 7.5% after reporting stronger-than-expected profit and revenue for the third quarter of 2026 and lifting its cost-efficiency targets. Continental gained more than 6% as a better-than-forecast Q3 operating profit prompted the company to raise its 2026 margin and cash flow guidance. In contrast, BMW cut its outlook for the second time this year and now expects a return of only plus/minus 0.5%.
