DAX Edges Higher as ECB Holds Rates, Trade Talks Progress

Frankfurt’s DAX 40 pared earlier gains to trade 0.1% higher at 24,270 on Thursday afternoon, after the ECB left key interest rates unchanged for the first time in a year.

The decision reflects a wait-and-see stance as policymakers navigate ongoing uncertainty surrounding the EU-US tariff dispute.

Trade talks between Washington and Brussels continued, with reports indicating that the two sides are close to finalizing a deal that would impose 15% tariffs on select European imports while removing duties on others.

In corporate news, Deutsche Bank surged 8.5% after reporting a stronger-than-expected Q2 profit, rebounding from a loss a year earlier.

MTU Aero Engines slumped 3.5% despite reporting a 41% jump in Q2 operating profit.

On the macroeconomic front, German consumer sentiment unexpectedly declined heading into August. Flash PMI data for July showed only modest growth in business activity, with momentum slowing from June and falling short of expectations.