German equities edged higher on Thursday, with the DAX up 0.22% to 26,344 points by midday, though the index lagged its prior-session high. The MDax of mid-caps outperformed with a gain of 0.84% to 32,796 points, while the Euro Stoxx 50 slipped 0.2%.
The modest advance reflected support from robust quarterly results in the U.S. technology sector, particularly semiconductor and software names. Nvidia, Salesforce and CrowdStrike exceeded expectations, lifting shares of German chip-related companies. Infineon rose 3.6%, Aixtron gained 4.7% and Süss MicroTec surged 8.2%. Siemens Energy, a beneficiary of rising data-center power demand, added 3%.
SAP trimmed an early gain to close 0.9% higher after a weak prior session. GFT Technologies jumped 10% following reports of a partnership with Deutsche Bank. UBS reiterated its constructive outlook on artificial intelligence, citing the sector as a key driver of growth.
Analysts at Kepler Cheuvreux upgraded United Internet and Ionos to “Buy,” citing attractive second-half opportunities despite subdued market trends. The shares rose about 3% each, while Deutsche Telekom was downgraded and fell 1.9%.
Industrial services provider Bilfinger advanced 3.8% after UBS upgraded the stock to “Buy,” citing improved margin expectations and a positive surprise in order intake. Copper specialist Asta Energy climbed 6.6% following half-year results and an upwardly revised outlook, as strong energy-sector demand boosted prospects.
Investor caution persisted ahead of the Federal Reserve’s annual Jackson Hole symposium, where remarks by Fed Chair Kevin Warsh on Friday are expected to shape expectations for U.S. monetary policy. Analysts warned that policy uncertainty could limit risk appetite in the near term.
