DAX Edges Higher Amid Oil Spike and Weak PMI Data

Dax Futures

German stocks experienced a downward trend Tuesday morning as inflation concerns reemerged following a rise in oil prices, driven by apprehensions regarding the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. This shift occurred despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to delay potential strikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure for five days. A survey indicating a significant decline in Eurozone private sector growth for March had a negative impact as well. However, with stocks discovering support at lower levels, the market reduced early losses and advanced above the flat line by late morning. Brent crude futures initially surged past $104 a barrel before slightly retreating to approximately $102, maintaining a significant increase from the previous close, following reports of substantial explosions in Tehran and other cities. Iran has refuted claims of engaging in discussions with the U.S. aimed at resolving the conflict.

Iran’s foreign ministry stated that Trump’s comments were ‘part of efforts to reduce energy prices and buy time’ for military strategies. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the nation is maintaining its strikes against Iran and Lebanon without interruption. The German benchmark DAX, which declined to 22,405.95, rebounded to 22,736.45, and was up 12.89 points or 0.06% at 22,608.14 recently.

  • Brenntag experienced an increase of approximately 2.5%. SAP experienced a decline of approximately 3.7%.
  • Zalando and BASF experienced increases of 2% and 1.7%, respectively.
  • Deutsche Telekom, Deutsche Boerse, Beiersdorf, Fresenius Medical Care, and Symrise experienced moderate increases.
  • Bayer experienced a decline of 3.2%, while Infineon Technologies saw a decrease of approximately 2.3%.
  • Rheinmetall, MTU Aero Engines, Heidelberg Materials, Continental, Deutsche Bank, and Siemens experienced declines ranging from 0.7% to 1.3%.

Automakers BMW, Mercedes Benz, and Volkswagen experienced an uptick in their shares, driven by data indicating a rebound in new car registrations across Europe for February, attributed to increased demand for battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. However, the equities relinquished early advancements due to insufficient backing at elevated levels. According to data, the S&P Global Flash Germany PMI Composite PMI decreased to 51.9 in March, down from 53.2 in February, falling short of the anticipated 52. In March, Germany’s private sector activity experienced a decline, reaching its lowest point in three months. The Services PMI registered at 51.2, a decrease from the previous month’s figure of 53.5. In March, the manufacturing PMI increased to a four-year high of 53.7, up from 52.5 in February.

The S&P Global Eurozone Composite PMI fell to 50.5 in March, a decrease from 51.9 in February and below the anticipated market figure of 51.0, based on preliminary data. The S&P Global Eurozone Manufacturing PMI increased to 51.4 in March 2026, up from 50.8 in February, surpassing expectations of 49.4, according to flash estimates. The S&P Global Flash Eurozone Services PMI decreased to 50.1 in March 2026, down from 51.9 in February, falling short of expectations which were set at 51.1.