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Business
DAX falls below 25,000: Middle East tensions and US uncertainty
Herz — Business Desk · · 30s summary · 4 min read
The essentials
Germany's DAX index fell to 24,771 points (−0.9%) on July 16, 2026 in early afternoon trading, according to Handelsblatt. The index slipped below the symbolic 25,000-point threshold for the second consecutive day after four trading sessions above that level. Explosions reported near Tehran amid fighting for control of the Strait of Hormuz, combined with anticipation of US retail sales data, are fueling market uncertainty. Multiple analysts describe "pronounced indecision" among investors as the DAX struggles to establish direction.
- DAX at 24,771 points (−0.9%) on July 16, 2026, below 25,000-point level for second consecutive day
- Explosions reported near Tehran amid fighting for control of the Strait of Hormuz
- Brent crude stable around $85 per barrel despite Middle East tensions
- Uber confirms €41.50 per share bid to acquire Delivery Hero
- Netflix launches US tech earnings season this evening
Germany's DAX index, the primary stock benchmark for the German economy, closed at 24,771 points (−0.9%) on July 16, 2026 in early afternoon trading, according to Handelsblatt.
What we know
The prior day, July 15, 2026, the index closed at 24,999 points (−0.6%), slipping below the 25,000-point threshold for the first time after four consecutive trading days above that level.
Martin Utschneider, an analyst at Robomarkets, describes the DAX's trend as "directionless" and cites "pronounced indecision" among market participants. The index has failed to break out of its recent sideways trading range.
DAX momentum has stalled as long as clarity on the Middle East conflict is lacking.
— Jochen Stanzl, Chief Analyst, Consorsbank
Thomas Altmann at QC Partners contends that the DAX's direction will remain uncertain until the "fierce battle" between optimists and pessimists around the 25,000-point level is resolved. Some buyers are betting that the US posture on the Middle East is merely a negotiating tactic.
July 15, 2026 (close)24999
July 16, 2026 (afternoon)24771
Middle East tensions
Iranian state media reported explosions in the vicinity of Tehran as part of US strikes against Iran and ongoing fighting for control of the Strait of Hormuz — a maritime passage in the Persian Gulf linking the Gulf of Oman, whose northern shores border Iran and southern shores border the United Arab Emirates and Oman.
Despite this news, the price of Brent crude (September delivery) edged down slightly to approximately $85 per barrel (−0.20%), following a prolonged rally driven by regional tensions.
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