Frankfurt’s DAX 40 closed 0.3% lower at 23,944 on Wednesday, its weakest finish since mid‑April and marking an eighth consecutive session of losses. Sentiment deteriorated after a sharp rise in oil prices, triggered by renewed threats from US President Donald Trump against Iran. Earlier reports that Trump is preparing to extend a blockade on Iranian ports further stoked concerns over prolonged supply disruptions.
Caution also dominated trading ahead of the Federal Reserve’s policy decision later in the day and upcoming earnings releases from major US technology companies.
Among individual stocks, Siemens Healthineers (-3.7%), Hannover Rück (-3.2%) and Münchener Rück (-3.1%) recorded the steepest losses. Deutsche Bank slipped 1.9% despite a jump in profits, after signaling higher credit provisions. Mercedes‑Benz Group edged down 0.3%, even as it reported a smaller‑than‑expected decline in earnings. On the upside, Adidas rallied 8.3% after posting a stronger‑than‑forecast first‑quarter profit.
