German stock indices closed modestly higher on Friday, with the benchmark DAX finishing the day up 0.20% in Frankfurt. The mid- and small-cap benchmarks also advanced - the MDAX added 0.48% and the TecDAX gained 1.27%.
Market movers and sector context
Leading the gains on the DAX were a handful of names from Financial Services, Technology and Food & Beverages. Deutsche Boerse AG rose 4.60% to close at 218.10, while MTU Aero Engines NA O.N. climbed 4.59% to end the session at 394.40. GEA Group AG finished up 2.06% at 64.30.
On the downside, bank and utility stocks were among the weaker performers. Commerzbank AG O.N. fell 5.66% to 32.16, RWE AG ST O.N. declined 4.13% to 49.95 and Deutsche Bank AG NA O.N. slipped 3.97% to 29.60.
MDAX and TecDAX highlights
The MDAX saw sizable gains from several constituents. Aixtron SE led the index with a 6.45% rise to 22.77, Aurubis AG advanced 6.16% to 172.30 and Carl Zeiss Meditec AG climbed 5.18% to 26.82.
Among MDAX decliners were Delivery Hero AG, down 4.03% to 20.26, RTL Group SA, which lost 2.96% to 36.00, and Deutsche Wohnen AG, down 2.23% at 21.90.
The TecDAX mirrored some of the MDAX movers: Aixtron SE again posted a 6.45% gain to 22.77, Evotec AG O.N. increased 6.18% to 6.19 and Carl Zeiss Meditec AG rose 5.18% to 26.82. Weakness in the TecDAX included 11 AG, which fell 1.61% to 24.45, Siltronic AG, down 0.68% to 51.05, and Nagarro SE, off 0.58% at 60.50.
Market breadth and notable highs
Advancing issues outnumbered decliners on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, with 338 stocks higher versus 276 lower and 19 unchanged at the close. Aixtron SE reached a 52-week high after its 6.45% jump to 22.77. Aurubis AG set an all-time high, rising 6.16% to 172.30.
Volatility, commodities and currencies
The DAX volatility index, which reflects implied volatility on DAX options, rose 11.53% to 19.61 by the close.
In commodities trading, Gold Futures for April delivery increased 1.86% to $5,040.64 a troy ounce. Crude oil for March delivery eased 0.11% to $62.77 a barrel, while the April Brent contract inched up 0.12% to $67.60 a barrel.
Currency moves were muted. EUR/USD was effectively unchanged, moving 0.02% to 1.19, and EUR/GBP was essentially flat at 0.87, changing 0.14%. The US Dollar Index Futures finished down 0.06% at 96.78.
What to watch in closing
The session closed with modest gains across the main German indices, stronger breadth in favour of rising stocks and notable moves in specific Financials and Technology names. Volatility rose on the day, while precious metals and energy contracts recorded mixed performances.