DAX Hits Fresh Highs as FTSE 100 Edges Lower, While European Stocks Hover Near Records

DAX Rises to Fresh High

The DAX 40 edged up 0.2% to around 26,360 in early trading on Monday, extending the previous week’s gains and reaching a fresh all-time high. Still, investors remained alert to developments in the Middle East amid uncertainty over the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran and Oman remained short of a final deal, with Tehran demanding major concessions before agreeing to reopen the critical waterway. Siemens Energy rose 2.5%, while Infineon gained 3.0%, supported by continued strength in the technology and industrial sectors. Allianz advanced 1.4%, Merck gained 1.2%, and Qiagen NV climbed 2.6%. On the other hand, sharp losses were seen in Porsche Automobil (-2.5%), Siemens Healthineers (-1.3%), and Brenntag (-1.5%).

FTSE 100 Edges Down on Monday

The FTSE 100 traded flat to slightly lower on Monday as investors awaited further developments in the Middle East and assessed mixed signals from the US and Iran over the prospects of reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Market activity was subdued, with gains in technology stocks offset by weakness among major defensive names. BAT, Unilever and Diageo all declined, weighing on the index, while a modest rise in oil prices provided some support to energy-related stocks. More broadly, Plus500 was among the stronger performers after its latest trading update showed first-half growth driven by higher trading income. Pharos Energy was one of the biggest fallers after confirming it would not increase its offer for the oil and gas company, while Vistry declined following reports that its insurer was reducing coverage for the housebuilder’s suppliers.

European Stocks Hover Near Records

European stocks opened the second week of August on a mixed-to-positive note, with the STOXX 50 edging 0.2% higher to set a new record, while the STOXX 600 traded around the flatline, remaining close to the record levels reached last week. The indices gained 2.6% and 1.7%, respectively, in the previous week. Investor sentiment remained cautious amid ongoing uncertainty in the Middle East, with markets awaiting further clarity on the prospects of a deal between the US and Iran. The technology sector was among the top performers, with ASML Holding rising 1.5% and Infineon Technologies gaining 2.1%. Luxury stocks also advanced, with LVMH up 1% and Hermes adding 0.4%. On the downside, Vistry plunged more than 8% to the bottom of the STOXX 600 after the FT reported that Allianz Trade is reducing the credit cover it provides to Vistry’s suppliers. The move could further intensify pressure on the cash flow of the struggling UK housebuilder.

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