Frankfurt’s DAX 40 fell 0.6% on Thursday, after rising over 1.7% in the prior session, in line with peers, as concerns over an escalation in the Middle East conflict returned. Both Iran and the US signaled that attacks could intensify in the coming days, pushing energy prices up and reviving inflation fears. Meanwhile, market participants continued to monitor corporate updates. Transport & logistics (-3.3%) and pharma & healthcare (-1.3%) were the worst-performing sectors. On equities, healthcare company Merck saw its shares slide over 6% after its 2026 guidance and stable dividend disappointed. DHL parent Deutsche Post dropped nearly 4% after releasing 2026 profit outlook slightly below consensus.
