The German stock index DAX ended the latest trading session with a 0.9% decline, reaching a level of 25,044 points. Although the exchange managed to hold a key support level, weak quarterly reports from Airbus and Renault, combined with concerns about escalating tensions in the Middle East, significantly worsened investor sentiment. Rising natural gas and crude oil prices further burdened European trading floors, interrupting a two-day streak of gains from mid-week.

DAX Index Decline

The German stock market barometer lost 0.9% and closed at 25,044 points after disappointing corporate reports.

Crisis in the Aviation Sector

Shares of Airbus and MTU Aero Engines recorded strong declines due to supply chain problems and profit forecasts.

Rise in Commodity Prices

Prices of natural gas rose by 8% due to tensions in the Strait of Hormuz region, burdening energy companies.

After two days of dynamic gains, during which the DAX reclaimed the psychological barrier of 25,000 points, a correction arrived on the Frankfurt trading floor. The main index fell 0.9% to a level of 25,044 points, and during the session, it periodically dipped even below this threshold. The key factor curbing the bull run proved to be the earnings season. Airbus disappointed investors with its delivery forecasts, translating into an almost two-percent decline in its shares. Similarly, Renault shares suffered after reports of losses counted in billions of euros, impacting the entire automotive sector. The situation on the markets is complicated by the dynamically changing geopolitical landscape. Investors are anxiously observing relations on the USA-Iran front and potential disruptions to LNG transport through the Strait of Hormuz. Consequently, natural gas prices in Europe rose by about 8%, reaching levels not seen since summer 2025. Higher energy costs pose a direct threat to the profitability of German industry, which was immediately reflected in the share prices of companies like RWE and Siemens Energy, which recorded noticeable declines. The DAX index, established in 1988 with a base value of 1000 points, is considered a barometer of the German economy and is one of the most important stock market indicators in Europe, grouping the 40 largest listed companies by market capitalization.On the MDAX, broker FlatexDegiro attracted considerable attention, with its shares losing over 7% after the publication of a new dividend policy that failed to meet the market's high expectations. Despite the general pessimism, shares of Vonovia and Münchner Rück stood out positively. Experts indicate that the market is currently in a phase of waiting for further macroeconomic data from the Bundesbank and the minutes from the Fed meeting, which may indicate the future direction of global monetary policy. „Now we will see if there are enough buyers above 25,000 points ready to lift the index to new historical highs.” — Thomas Altmann (analyst, QC Partners)25 044 — DAX index closing levelDAX quotations in February 2026: 2026-02-18: 25278, 2026-02-19: 25191, 2026-02-20: 25044

Mentioned People

  • Thomas Altmann — Analyst from QC Partners commenting on the technical situation on the DAX index.
  • Frank Meyer — Stock market correspondent for n-tv reporting on the causes of worse sentiment on the stock exchange.