German shares were little changed on Tuesday, with the blue-chip DAX index ending the trading session 0.07% in the red, as the market assessed the economic sentiment survey from the eurozone's biggest economy.
The ZEW economic sentiment indicator for Germany edged higher to 34.7 points in September from August's 34.2 points, missing the consensus estimate of 39.8 points. The current situation index also improved by 14 points to -47.1 points, beating the expected -53 points.
"The ZEW indicator of economic sentiment remains stable. Experts are cautiously optimistic about a recovery of the economy. The growth continues to be driven by fiscal measures and is further bolstered by export momentum. Nevertheless, the risks are considerable: Persistent high energy prices resulting from a continued war in Iran and the additional uncertainty caused by hybrid attacks place a burden on the economy," ZEW President Achim Wambach said.
Meanwhile, Germany's selling prices in wholesale trade were up 6.8% year over year in August 2026, after a 5.3% jump a month ago. Destatis said the reading marked its highest annual rate of price increase since February 2023, as the Middle East conflict pushed wholesale prices of energy products and raw materials higher.
Speaking of the war, Reuters reported, citing Yemeni officials, that Iran-backed Houthi forces have seized effective control of the country's western coast along the Red Sea and escalated missile and drone attacks into Saudi Arabia. Despite intensified joint air campaigns by Saudi and Yemeni forces targeting key coastal positions like the Red Sea port of Mocha, the Houthis maintain their grip while increasing pressure on Saudi targets.
In corporate news, Deutsche Bank Research raised its price target for DHL (DHL.F) to 62 euros from 60 euros and maintained its buy rating ahead of the German logistics group's capital markets briefing for DHL Express.
"This Thursday we shall attend DHL's Express Capital Markets briefing - the key message is likely to be further emphasis that the 2Q beat was not simply a windfall from the [Middle East] disruption. The most important strategic theme will likely be DHL's attempt to expand Express beyond traditional parcels into time-critical, higher-weight industrial shipments (eg. aircraft parts, semiconductor & data centre equipment, and specialist manufacturing shipments) where customers value speed, customs clearance, guaranteed capacity and end-to-end visibility," the research firm wrote. DHL was up 0.07% at closing.
Daimler Truck (DTG.F) plans to deploy 100 next-generation fuel-cell trucks by late 2026 and launch its first hydrogen combustion models the following year. The initiative is part of a broader industry coalition alongside AB Volvo, Toyota Motor, Air Liquide, and TotalEnergies to accelerate hydrogen-powered transport and refueling infrastructure across Europe toward 2030. The German truck maker ended the trading day 1.23% lower.