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DAX Index Jumps Amid Upbeat German Economic Data

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The blue-chip DAX index ended the trading week in the green, closing 1.15% higher on Friday, following an improvement in German economic growth and business and consumer confidence metrics.

Final data from Destatis showed that Germany's gross domestic product ticked up 0.3% in the first quarter, following a 0.2% uptick in the previous three-month period. Federal Statistical Office President Ruth Brand noted exports "rose considerably" at the beginning of the year, bolstering the country's economic performance.

Concurrently, the ifo Institute's business climate indicator stood at 84.9 points in May, up from April's revised 84.5 points and the expected 84.2 points. The expectations indicator ticked up to 83.8 points from the revised 83.5 points, while the current conditions index rose to 86.1 points from 85.4 points.

ING noted that the stronger-than-expected first-quarter growth data offered some relief for the economy, but warned that business sentiment remained weak. "While German companies seem to have recovered somewhat from the first shock, the absolute level of the Ifo index remains weak. Yesterday, the latest PMI data already showed a high risk of the economy falling into contraction in the second quarter."

Meanwhile, German consumer sentiment is expected to moderately improve in June, with the GfK consumer climate indicator up to -29.8 points from the revised -33.1 points in May. The reading, which compares with the consensus estimate of -33.7 points, reflects a "noticeably more positive" outlook for income expectations among German consumers, even as their willingness to buy remains muted.

In corporate news, Deutsche Bank Research upgraded Deutsche Post (DHL.F), d/b/a DHL Group, to buy from hold and raised its price target to 56 euros from 48 euros, noting the strength of its DHL Express business.

"In an uncertain macro/geo-political backdrop, DHL benefits from: (i) self-help (delivery of fit for-growth savings EUR1bn); (ii) a well-invested network, esp. in DHL Express (market-leading positions); and (iii) superior pricing power given near-term pressures in global supply chain and structurally higher complexity. We see an end to the earnings d/g cycle, and mgmt. guide for c. EUR3bn [free cash flow] in 2026 underpinned," the research firm wrote. The German logistics company was one of the session's best performers, climbing 4.11%.

German sportswear companies adidas AG (ADS.F) and Puma (PUM.F) were up 3% and 5.50%, respectively, on Xetra, bolstered by the better-than-expected fiscal 2026 results from Hoka-owner Deckers Outdoor.

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