DAX rally continues despite US tariffs on China

Kenny Fisher MarketPulse

The DAX index has posted gains in the Thursday session, continuing the upward trend seen on Wednesday. Currently, the index is at 12,284, up 0.54% on the day. On the release front, there are no major German or eurozone events. Eurozone consumer confidence is expected to post a decline of -2 for a second straight month. On Friday, Germany and the eurozone release manufacturing PMIs.

The US-China trade war ratcheted upwards this week, as the U.S. imposed 10% tariffs on some $200 billion worth of Chinese goods. Previous rounds of tit-for-tat tariffs have rocked the equity markets, but that hasn’t happened this time around. The DAX has shrugged off the news, gaining 1.8% this week. It is notable that German automakers, which could be hit hard by further tariffs, have posted strong gains on Thursday. BMW is up 1.24%, Daimler has risen 0.94% and Volkswagen has climbed 1.69%. Bank shares have also posted gains – Deutsche Bank is up 1.13% and Commerzbank has jumped 2.79%.

Why the calm reaction from German equity markets? Investors appear to have been ready for a move by Trump, and may be sighing in relief that the tariff was set at 10% rather than at 25%. One senior economist summed up Trump’s most recent salvo as “bad but manageable”. However, if the Chinese do indeed retaliate and the U.S takes further measures, this would likely shake up the currency markets and boost the U.S dollar.

Kiwi jumps on strongest growth in two years

Economic Calendar

10:00 Eurozone Consumer Confidence. Estimate -2
11:15 German Buba President Weidmann Speaks
3:30 German Flash Manufacturing PMI. Estimate 55.7
4:00 Eurozone Flash Manufacturing PMI. Estimate 54.4

Previous Close: 12,219 Open: 12,208 Low: 12,202 High: 12,295 Close: 12,284

Author

Kenny Fisher

MarketPulse

A highly experienced financial market analyst with a focus on fundamental analysis, Kenneth Fisher’s daily commentary covers a broad range of markets including forex, equities and commodities.

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