DAX Hits Record High On Easing Inflation, Strong Earnings

Europe's STOXX 600 index reached a record high on Thursday, propelled by robust corporate earnings, reduced geopolitical tensions, and a shift away from AI-linked stocks in Asia and the United States. The pan-European index climbed 0.3% to 665.38 points by 0806 GMT, after previously closing at record levels in the prior session.

Comparable benchmarks in major regional markets also climbed, with Germany's DAX surging 1% to a new all-time high. Despite pressures from energy-driven inflation and anticipated interest rate hikes, strong corporate earnings have bolstered European equities over the past few months. Companies comprising the STOXX 600 are projected to experience quarterly profit growth of 25%, the highest in four years, as per LSEG-compiled data.

Energy firms have played a significant role in this growth. Siemens climbed 3.8% after raising its growth outlook, and Merck surged 1.6% following an increase in its 2026 profit forecast for the third consecutive time this year. Lower oil prices, a critical import expense for Europe, further eased investor concerns. The prices dropped below $100 a barrel after the US indicated no imminent attacks on Iran were likely.

The region's lower exposure to AI-related stocks has also contributed to its outperformance relative to Asian and US peers, as traders focus on the AI trade. The STOXX 600 has surged 4.7% thus far in the current quarter, while the S&P 500 has declined 0.4%.