Thursday's session on global stock exchanges is marked by rising tensions between Washington and Tehran, directly translating into higher prices for energy commodities and precious metals. While the DAX index recorded slight declines, optimism in Germany is fueled by data showing a record-high order backlog in industry. On the Warsaw Stock Exchange, Orlen and Pekao are stabilizing the WIG20 index, protecting it from a deeper correction amid an uncertain international situation.

Record Orders in Germany

German industry achieved the highest order level since 2022, growing by 1.2% m/m, mainly thanks to the aviation and defense sector.

Rise in Energy Commodity Prices

Gas prices jumped by 8%, and Brent crude oil exceeded 70 dollars due to fears of a US-Iran conflict in the Middle East region.

Orlen Leader of WSE Gains

On the Warsaw Stock Exchange, indices are falling, but Orlen and Pekao show strength, stabilizing the WIG20 after publishing good results.

Airbus's Historic Delivery Plan

The Airbus conglomerate plans to deliver a record 870 aircraft in 2026, despite ongoing supply chain issues for parts.

The situation in financial markets remains largely determined by the escalation of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which investors perceive as a real threat to energy supply stability. Concerns about disruptions to commodity flows through the Strait of Hormuz have driven the price of Brent crude oil above 70 dollars per barrel, its highest level since mid-2025. The Strait of Hormuz is becoming a flashpoint, and gas markets are reacting to these reports with gains of almost 8 percent. This translates into investor caution in Europe, where the main DAX index opened in the red, losing about 0.3% after earlier gains. At the same time, positive signals are coming from Germany regarding the condition of its manufacturing sector. The Federal Statistical Office reported that industrial orders rose in December by 1.2%, reaching the highest level since October 2022. Particularly strong positions are noted in the aviation and defense industries, confirming the announcement by Airbus of plans to deliver a record number of 870 aircraft in 2026. Meanwhile, Knorr-Bremse, despite a slowdown in road transport, recorded a 20% profit increase thanks to the stable condition of the railway sector and implemented cost-saving policies. Since the 2008 financial crisis, central banks and investors have been watching German industrial indicators with doubled caution, as they are traditionally treated as an economic barometer for the entire eurozone and a key direction for Polish exports. „Fear of a conflict in the Middle East is likely to increase demand for safe-haven assets.” — Kyle Rodda On the Warsaw trading floor, sentiment is mixed. Although the WIG20 started the day with gains, it quickly returned to around the reference level. The main support for the market comes from shares of the Orlen conglomerate and Pekao, which are reacting positively to financial results publications. Asian markets also remain in focus, where the exchange in Seoul recorded an impressive 3% gain, driven by optimism in the technology sector and cooling concerns about an investment bubble in the artificial intelligence area. Meanwhile, gold, perceived as a "safe haven," is rising to 5021 dollars per ounce. Price Changes of Selected Assets (percent): Natural Gas: 8.0, Silver: 2.6, Gold: 0.9, Brent Crude: 0.5, DAX: -0.3, WIG20: -0.3570 USD — price per barrel of Brent crude oil exceeded

Mentioned People

  • Guillaume Faury — CEO of the Airbus conglomerate, announced plans for a record number of passenger aircraft deliveries.
  • Marc Llistosella — Head of Knorr-Bremse, overseeing the company's restructuring and improvement of its profitability.