German DAX Index Closes Higher Driven by Retail and Healthcare Stocks

Frankfurt | EcoPulse24

The German DAX index closed slightly higher on Monday, up by 0.2% at 24,230 points, recovering from losses on Friday and in line with the positive performance of most European markets.

This improvement came as investors prepared for a busy week of economic data and central bank meetings, with particular attention on the European Central Bank. Markets are anticipating a hold on interest rates, with potential revisions to GDP growth forecasts following remarks from President Christine Lagarde.

In geopolitical context, developments in U.S.-Ukraine negotiations continue to be closely watched, especially after signals from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky about a willingness to freeze NATO membership efforts, which has somewhat eased market tensions.

On the stock front, Zalando and Puma led the gains within the index, rising by 2.6% and 4.2% respectively, benefiting from the rise in European luxury goods stocks amid optimism for potential stimulus measures to support the Chinese economy. Additionally, Fresenius SE & Co saw gains of about 2% after being ranked by Morgan Stanley as one of the best investment choices for 2026 in the healthcare sector.

In contrast, defense stocks faced notable selling pressure, with Rheinmetall dropping by 2.8% amid profit-taking after a strong rally in previous weeks.