FX.co ★ DAX Closes at Record High

The DAX 40 extended early gains to finish about 0.7% higher at a record closing level of 26,355 on Friday, capping a 2.8% advance for the week. Sentiment was buoyed by a broadly positive earnings season, while investors monitored US-Iran talks over reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Better-than-expected German industrial production and export figures added to the upbeat tone.

Technology stocks were among the standout performers, with strong gains in software and semiconductor names. SAP rose 4.1%, and Infineon Technologies gained 2.9%. Scout24, Siemens, BMW, and Deutsche Börse also traded firmly higher, adding between 1.7% and 3.6%.

In contrast, Daimler Truck led the laggards, dropping 2.8% after reporting an 18% decline in second-quarter profit, even as it raised its full-year adjusted EBIT guidance. Münchener Rück slipped 1.4% despite a surprise 6% increase in net profit, while Allianz eased 0.6% as weaker-than-expected non-life insurance growth offset a record operating profit.