FX.co ★ DAX Turns Negative

The DAX 40 trimmed earlier gains to trade just below 25,000 on Friday, putting it on course to snap a six-session winning streak. Caution prevailed among investors after US–Iran talks, intended to secure a lasting peace deal in the Middle East, were postponed. Sentiment was further dampened by overnight clashes in Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah, which pushed oil prices higher.

Volkswagen fell more than 4% as the stock traded ex-dividend, exerting significant downward pressure on the index. By contrast, defense shares were in strong demand amid concerns over the fragile US–Iran agreement, led by Renk, up 2.4%, and Rheinmetall, up 1.6%. Automakers also staged a partial rebound: Mercedes-Benz Group and BMW both gained more than 1% following reports that the EU is preparing tariffs on Chinese plug-in hybrid vehicles.