German stocks experienced an uptick on Friday as investors responded somewhat favorably to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s declaration that his nation was prepared for direct negotiations with Lebanon. Netanyahu, however, maintained that Israel would persist in its efforts to target Hezbollah. Meanwhile, uncertainty regarding the U.S.-Iran truce continues to create a cautious atmosphere. Investors processed German inflation data that aligned with the preliminary estimate released on March 30. The benchmark DAX, having reached 23,957.27, recorded an increase of 148.79 points or 0.63%, currently standing at 23,903.87.

• Heidelberg Materials experienced an increase of 2.7%.
• Infineon Technologies experienced an increase of 1.85%, whereas Siemens Healthineers, Adidas, Merck, Fresenius Medical Care, and Scout24 saw gains ranging from 1.3% to 1.5%.
• BASF, Symrise, Siemens, BMW, Deutsche Post, Mercedes-Benz, Siemens Energy, and Fresenius recorded modest increases.
• Rheinmetall experienced a decline of nearly 4%.
• Daimler Truck Holding experienced a decline of approximately 1.3%, while MTU Aero Engines saw a decrease of 1.1%. E.ON and RWE also registered slight losses.

Porsche Automobil Holding, having experienced a downturn following a report of decreased first-quarter deliveries, has since regained some of its previous losses and is now showing a slight increase. Data indicated that Germany’s consumer price inflation has reached its highest level since January 2024, primarily driven by a notable increase in energy prices in the aftermath of the Iran war.

In March, consumer price inflation increased to 2.7%, up from 1.9% in February. The rate aligned with the preliminary estimate released on March 30. The 2.7% represents the peak level observed since January 2024. EU harmonized inflation increased to 2.8%, as projected, from 2% in February.