Inflation Shock Stalls ASML Euphoria: DAX Fails Again at the 100-Day Moving Average!
The German benchmark index remains trapped in technical no-man's-land. Although the DAX started Wednesday highly dynamically thanks to strong cues from the semiconductor sector—briefly breaching the fiercely contested 100-day moving average at a daily high of over 25,430 points—the euphoria evaporated abruptly in the afternoon. US consumer prices came in hotter than expected with a rise to 3.7 percent. Driven by climbing energy costs, the price report immediately ignited fresh interest rate hike fears and pushed the DAX back to a closing price of 25,298.61 points (+0.15 percent). As a result, the stock market barometer bounces off the massive technical lid once again, remaining wedged in its narrow sideways range above the 200-day line.
Defense Rotates Upward: Siemens Energy Plunges, Infineon Defies the Chip Boom
At the corporate level, European chip equipment manufacturer ASML provided a technological exclamation mark. With strong forecasts and capacity constraints stretching into 2030, the company underpinned the intact AI narrative. While Aixtron profited noticeably, Infineon paradoxically evaded the positive pull and lost 1.2 percent. Instead, defense contractor Rheinmetall secured the day's victory in the benchmark index with a solid premium of 3.1 percent, strongly flanked by MTU and BASF. On the losing side, Siemens Energy crashed by a dramatic 5.8 percent. Lufthansa also came under significant pressure in the wake of emerging takeover speculations.
Day of Truth for Tech and Rates: TSMC and Flood of US Data in Ultimate Focus!
Tomorrow, Thursday, the financial markets face their next top-tier stress test. Even before the market opens, Taiwanese chip giant TSMC will deliver the ultimate global yardstick for AI demand—an essential impulse for the entire semiconductor sector. In the afternoon, a veritable flood of US macro data will hit the trading floor: with producer prices, retail sales, and initial jobless claims, the next hard reality check for the American interest rate landscape follows. The day will be flanked by Munich Re, which will outline the strategic roadmap for reinsurers at the important renewal rounds in Baden-Baden. The all-decisive core question is: Will TSMC confirm the global AI boom and provide the thrust for the longed-for breakout above the 100-day moving average, or will the US data block manifest stubborn interest rate pressure while the unpredictable oil price simmers as a permanent risk factor in the background?
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