-- Germany's blue-chip DAX index reversed its earlier gains, closing 1.14% lower on Thursday, amid concerns of a breakdown in the US-Iran ceasefire negotiations.
Shipping remains paralyzed in the Strait of Hormuz as persistent Israeli operations in Lebanon strain regional stability. In response, Tehran threatened to abandon its fledgling ceasefire agreement with Washington, as US President Donald Trump countered with warnings of a renewed military escalation should a comprehensive deal fail to materialize.
Back at home, Destatis reported that German industrial production in February was down 0.3% on a monthly basis, against the revised zero growth in January and the market's expected 0.9% uptick. Year over year, industrial output was stable, following a revised 0.9% fall earlier.
"This morning's macro data is the last release to paint a picture of the German economy before the war in the Middle East began. It's a picture of a very reluctant, hesitant consumer, but of a manufacturing sector that is struggling to gain positive momentum. The only piece of evidence currently keeping our ketchup bottle comparison alive was yesterday's industrial orders data, confirming that order books in the [defense] industry continue to fill. At least some support for our long-held view that the fiscal stimulus will increasingly reach the real economy," ING said.
Meanwhile, Germany's calendar and seasonally adjusted trade surplus came in at 19.8 billion euros in February, below the revised 20.3 billion euros a month ago and the expected 18.1 billion euros. According to the Federal Statistical Office, exports ticked up 3.6% month over month, against the revised 1.5% drop earlier and the expected 1% gain. Monthly imports rose 4.7%, compared with the revised 5.1% decrease previously and the market forecast of 4% jump.
In corporate news, Mercedes-Benz Group (MBG.F) was down 2.02%, after reporting a 6% year-over-year decline in first-quarter deliveries to 499,700 vehicles. The German automaker said the results were consistent with company expectations.
RBC Capital Markets reduced its adjusted EPS estimates and price target for sector perform-rated Henkel (HEN.F) to 73 euros from 75 euros amid concerns that execution risks may cap the revenue benefits of recent brand acquisitions.
"The acquisitions of Not Your Mother's and OLAPLEX should fill in gaps in Henkel's current Hair portfolio and place the company as a more serious contender in the Consumer Hair space. If executed well, integrating these brands could add 50 [basis points] of revenue growth to its hair business over the medium term. However, with management having a lot on their plate and commodity cost inflation concurrently stepping up, we can't overlook execution risks and remain on the sidelines," RBC wrote. The German chemical and consumer goods company gained 0.27% at closing.