Following a stagnant beginning, Germany’s primary stock market index, DAX, experienced a notable increase on Friday, as equities across various sectors strengthened due to persistent buying enthusiasm. Apprehensions regarding AI-associated risks, coupled with a somewhat varied set of earnings reports, contributed to a cautious sentiment at the outset.

The DAX increased by 178.05 points, reflecting a rise of 0.73%, reaching a level of 24,626.63 recently.

• Rheinmetall experienced an increase of over 4%.
• Bayer experienced an increase of approximately 2.1%, whereas Siemens Energy saw a rise of nearly 2%.
• Siemens experienced a rise of 1.8%, whereas E.ON and RWE saw an increase of nearly 1.5%.
• MTU Aero Engines, Deutsche Bank, Heidelberg Materials, and Fresenius Medical Care experienced increases of 1% to 1.2%.
• Siemens Healthineers experienced a decline of 3.7%, whereas Zalando and Volkswagen recorded losses of 2.1% and 2%.
• BMW, BASF, Merck, Porsche Automobil Holding, Beiersdorf, Mercedes-Benz, and Brenntag experienced a decline not long ago.

Data indicated that Germany’s industrial production experienced a decline of 1.9% month-on-month in December, contrasting with a 0.2% increase recorded in November. Output was projected to decline by 0.2%. Year-over-year, industrial production experienced a decline of 0.6%, contrasting with the 0.5% rise observed in November. Data indicated that Germany’s exports experienced a rebound, while the growth of imports doubled in December.

In December, exports recorded a monthly increase of 4%, following a decline of 2.5% in November, according to the data presented. Shipments were projected to increase by 1%. Concurrently, the rise in imports escalated to 1.4%, up from 0.7% in November. Forecasts indicated that imports would increase by 0.2%. The trade surplus increased to EUR 17.1 billion, up from EUR 13.6 billion in November.