Frankfurt's DAX 40 edged up 0.3% to around 25,490 on Wednesday, snapping a two-session losing streak as easing oil prices and a pullback in global bond yields provided support, despite persistent tensions in the Middle East. Attention shifted to the Federal Reserve’s policy decision due later in the day, with markets having fully priced in a 25-basis-point interest rate increase.
The technology sector led the advance, joined by banks, utilities, and industrials, which together offset weakness in software, automotive stocks, and retailers. Companies seen as beneficiaries of the AI boom recorded the strongest gains, with Hochtief, Infineon Technologies, and Siemens Energy climbing between 1.7% and 3.2%. Among financials, Commerzbank and Deutsche Bank rose 1.8% and 1.4%, respectively.
On the downside, notable decliners included SAP (-1.7%), Zalando (-1.2%), Volkswagen (-1.1%), and Mercedes-Benz Group (-0.7%).