DAX Extends Record-Breaking Run

The DAX index in Frankfurt advanced by 0.6% on Monday, reaching a new high of 25,405, and extending its upward trajectory for the 10th consecutive day. The defense sector saw continued interest, with companies like Renk and Hensoldt rising by 3.9% and 1.1%, respectively, driven by increasing geopolitical tensions such as the unrest in Iran. Market participants also considered the renewed political pressures facing the US Federal Reserve. The consumer healthcare and general healthcare sectors provided additional support to the market. Beiersdorf, the company behind Nivea and Eucerin, saw its shares rise by 3.2% after receiving favorable evaluations from Deutsche Bank and Bernstein Research. Fresenius Medical Care's stock increased by 3.2% following an upgrade from MWB Research, which shifted its recommendation from ‘Hold’ to ‘Buy’ in light of the company's recently announced accelerated share buyback program. The upgrade also included raising the price target from €46 to €47. Fresenius, the major shareholder, mirrored these gains with a 2.9% increase. Conversely, automotive stocks such as BMW, VW, and Mercedes experienced declines of 1.7%, 1.3%, and 1%, respectively, following reports of weakened sales forecasts for 2025.