
FRANKFURT (dpa-AFX) - The German stock market is expected to post moderate gains at Thursday's opening, continuing a pattern of cautious trading as investors await clearer market direction. Market analyst Thomas Altmann from QC Partners noted that "the search for direction continues," with both buyers and sellers holding back until a clearer trend emerges. The prevailing investor motto appears to be "wait and see" amid ongoing uncertainty.
One hour before trading began, the X-Dax indicated modest upward momentum, though this solid start wasn't driven by US market performance. New York exchanges had moved slightly lower after the Xetra close the previous evening, with investors taking a breather following the recent record rally. Commerzbank analysts observed that market participants are showing caution ahead of Friday's release of PCE inflation data, which serves as the Federal Reserve's primary inflation measure.
Defense stocks could remain in focus domestically, with Rheinmetall shares trading near record levels. Automotive stocks are also drawing attention as they seek to confirm a recovery movement triggered by retroactively reduced US import tariffs. Meanwhile, seed producer KWS Saat and biofuel manufacturer Verbio are expected to see activity following recent financial reports and outlook statements.
The upcoming PCE inflation data release on Friday represents a critical moment for global markets, as the figures will significantly influence the Federal Reserve's future interest rate decisions. Higher inflation readings could prompt more restrictive monetary policies, potentially impacting markets worldwide. Medical technology stocks faced pressure due to tariff concerns, following a US Commerce Department announcement regarding potential higher duties on imports of certain medical devices since early September.

The small German municipality of Schwanau in Baden-Württemberg has become the unlikely stage for an escalating conflict between local government and one of the region's largest employers. The dispute centers around approximately 20 flower pots installed by the municipality two months ago...

Berlin police deployed approximately 130 officers in a major operation to secure the eviction of a partially occupied residential building in the city's Mitte district near the Federal Intelligence Service and Natural History Museum. The operation, which has now concluded, saw police officers...

Baden-Württemberg's camping industry is poised for a record-breaking year, with camping enthusiasts flocking to popular regions like the Black Forest and Lake Constance. Kurt Bonath, chairman of the State Association of the Camping Industry in Baden-Württemberg, reported that many campground...

Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), Germany's largest naval shipbuilder, made a strong debut on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange Monday, with shares trading significantly above initial expectations. The stock opened at €60 per share, far surpassing analyst forecasts of approximately €36, and...

Swiss cement conglomerate Holcim has agreed to acquire German building materials manufacturer Xella for €1.85 billion, marking a significant strategic move in the European construction sector. The transaction, announced on Monday, is expected to be finalized in the second half of 2026,...