DAX Ends in the Red

Frankfurt’s DAX attempted a brief recovery but closed 0.2% lower at 24,048 on Wednesday, the fifth straight session of losses, weighed down by ongoing trade uncertainty and weak corporate earnings from European firms. While investors hoped for a more favorable tariff agreement than previously outlined, President Trump renewed his threat to extend tariffs to pharmaceuticals and semiconductors—possibly as soon as August 1, the deadline for implementing his 'reciprocal' tax policy.

EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic is traveling to Washington today for a new round of talks on the 30% tariff imposed by the U.S. If negotiations fail, the EU has prepared countermeasures targeting $72.1 billion in American imports, including whiskey, Boeing aircraft and parts, beef, and auto components.