15.12.202517:22:46UTC+00DAX Closes on Higher Note

Frankfurt's DAX index edged up by 0.2% on Monday, closing at 24,230, rebounding from Friday's losses and aligning with gains in European markets. Investors are bracing for a crucial week ahead, marked by important economic data releases and central bank policy decisions, with the European Central Bank (ECB) taking center stage. The market anticipates that the ECB will maintain current borrowing rates, although it may upgrade GDP growth forecasts following recent remarks by ECB President Christine Lagarde. Additionally, geopolitical dynamics are under scrutiny, particularly due to ongoing US-Ukraine talks, which have gained attention after President Zelenskiy expressed a willingness to reconsider Ukraine's NATO membership aspirations. Among the standout performers, Zalando and Puma saw respective increases of 2.6% and 4.2%, reflecting an upswing in European luxury stocks fueled by optimism regarding China's economic policies. Fresenius SE & Co also showed a robust advance of 2%, bolstered by Morgan Stanley analyst Aisyah Noor's endorsement as a top investment pick for 2026. However, the defense sector faced significant selling pressure, notably impacting Rheinmetall, which fell by 2.8%.