Overview
- DAX hovered around 25,351 points after setting a 25,507 peak earlier in the week, with traders leaning toward pre‑weekend profit-taking.
- U.S. stocks gained after TSMC’s stronger-than-expected results and upbeat outlook, reinforcing confidence in AI-related demand.
- The United States and Taiwan agreed on a chip-focused trade pact that includes at least $250 billion in Taiwanese investments in the U.S. and a cut in U.S. tariffs on Taiwanese goods to 15% from 20%.
- Oil prices eased as fears of an imminent U.S. strike on Iran diminished, with Brent near $63.6 and WTI around $59.1, while Kazakhstan said it will lift oil exports to Germany to 2.5 million tonnes in 2026.
- Klöckner & Co shares surged nearly 30% after Worthington Steel offered €11 per share, an approach backed by major shareholder Friedhelm Loh.