Frankfurt’s DAX 40 trimmed earlier losses to trade slightly lower around 25,175 on Monday, still underperforming other major European indices amid renewed uncertainty over US trade policy. The weakness followed fresh tariff threats from Donald Trump over the weekend, with a pledge to impose global tariffs of 15% for 150 days after the US Supreme Court ruled large parts of the previous tariff regime unconstitutional.
Geopolitical risks also weighed on sentiment. On the positive side, German business confidence improved slightly more than forecast in February, rising to its highest level since August.
Export-oriented technology and industrial stocks came under the heaviest pressure. Software group SAP led the declines, down 1.8%, followed by Rheinmetall (-1.8%), Bayer (-1.7%), BMW (-1.4%), Airbus (-1.3%) and Volkswagen (-1.3%).
By contrast, financials, utilities and telecommunications stocks—typically viewed as more defensive—were relatively well bid. Commerzbank advanced more than 2.5%.
