The DAX 40 increased by 0.3% to approximately 26,070 on Friday following a sluggish beginning, thereby extending slight gains for a second consecutive session. The automotive sector served as the primary driver, highlighted by a 7% increase in Volkswagen shares after the board sanctioned a significant turnaround strategy.

BMW and Volkswagen experienced increases of 1.7% and 1.1%, respectively. Other notable performers included Heidelberg Materials at 2.3%, Infineon Technologies at 1.5%, and Airbus at 1.2%.

Meanwhile, market participants continued to evaluate the prospects for monetary policy, with the ECB anticipated to implement a final 25 bps rate increase next week. Developments in the Middle East continued to attract attention.