DAX gains 0.64% on corporate earnings, oil at $83

The German stock market climbed on Friday, with the benchmark DAX index up 0.64% by midday, as investors focused on corporate earnings and oil prices amid geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The DAX stood at 26,333.28, gaining 168.05 points, while Brent crude futures rose toward $83 a barrel. Concerns over the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route for global energy supplies, kept oil prices volatile. Investors were also eyeing U.S. non-farm payroll data later in the day for signals on potential Federal Reserve interest rate moves.

The gains came despite mixed economic data for Germany. Industrial production grew by 0.2% in June, slower than the 0.7% increase in May, while the country’s trade surplus narrowed to €15.4 billion from €19.3 billion the previous month. Imports surged by 4.4%, hitting a 3.5-year high, while exports grew by just 0.9%. The mixed economic signals added to uncertainty, even as corporate earnings provided some support for the market.

Among individual stocks, gains were led by Scout24, which surged over 5%, while major companies like SAP and Infineon Technologies also rose by 3% and 3.75%, respectively. Daimler Truck Holding was a notable laggard, falling 4.2% after reporting a drop in earnings compared to last year. Munich RE bucked the trend despite strong profits, losing 2.7% after lowering its insurance revenue outlook. Allianz also declined marginally after posting lower second-quarter earnings. Rheinmetall, though upbeat on earnings, slipped slightly as investors reassessed its performance.

The market’s direction remains tied to broader economic signals and Fed policy expectations. With oil prices fluctuating due to geopolitical risks and key U.S. economic data still to come, traders are keeping a close watch on earnings season and central bank signals. The DAX’s modest gain reflects cautious optimism, but volatility is likely to persist as investors digest fresh data and corporate updates.