Frankfurt's DAX 40 trimmed sharper early losses to finish Thursday about 0.6% lower at 23,168, after reports that Iran and Oman were working on a memorandum of understanding to ensure safe maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Earlier in the session, an address by President Trump had pushed oil prices higher: he pledged a swift end to the Middle East conflict but warned Iran of further strikes on its power infrastructure if no agreement is reached. The extended deadline for action to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, set by Trump, expires on April 6.
Most sectors ended in negative territory, with technology, financials, and industrials among the worst performers. In single stocks, Deutsche Telekom fell 3.3% as it traded ex-dividend, reflecting a €1.00 per share payout. Infineon (-3.2%), Heidelberg Materials (-2.7%), Siemens (-2.6%), Deutsche Bank (-2.6%), and Commerzbank (-2.6%) also recorded notable declines. Despite Thursday’s pullback, the DAX 40 advanced around 3.9% over the week.
