DE40: European Markets Mixed as Defense Gains, Auto Sector Faces Headwinds

• European equities show mixed performance, with W20 (+0.41%) and ITA40 (+0.33%) leading gains, while SUI20 (-0.43%) and VSTOXX (-0.29%) indicate cautious sentiment
• Rheinmetall (RHM.DE) Secures €260M Bundeswehr Contract - Company wins major logistics framework agreement through 2029 for military force deployment support; expands service portfolio to include convoy support centers and assembly areas for German and allied forces
• Auto and Tech Stocks Under Pressure on Trump Tariff Threats - European automakers and semiconductor manufacturers face potential headwinds as U.S. President signals possible 25%+ tariffs; EU trade commissioner heads to Washington for talks
• Infineon Advances in E-Mobility Sector with New EV Solutions - Company expands EiceDRIVER portfolio with automotive-qualified gate-driver ICs supporting latest IGBT and SiC technologies; targets growing electric vehicle market with high-performance traction inverter solutions
• Commerzbank (CBK.DE) Commits to New Frankfurt Office Amid Restructuring - Bank signs 15-year lease for 52-floor building while implementing 3,900 job cuts; consolidation move comes as company responds to UniCredit takeover interest

General market situation: European markets are showing mixed performance, with a slight tilt toward negative territory. The SUI20 is leading the declines (-0.43%), followed by and UK100 (-0.28%). The FRA40 (-0.18%), NED25 (-0.17%), and SPA35 (-0.05%) are also trading lower. The EU50 remains flat (0.00%), while several indices are showing gains, including the AUT20 (+0.12%), DE40 (+0.17%), ITA40 (+0.33%), and W20 (+0.41%) displaying positive momentum.

Volatility is currently observed in the broader European market. Source: xStation

The German DE40 Index is trading at its all-time high (ATH). Bulls will aim to stay above the previous high at 22,000, while bears may target a retest of the 78.6% Fibonacci retracement level which coincides with the 30-day SMAl. In the event of a more significant correction, the 61.8% Fibonacci retracement level, which coincides with the 50-day SMA, could come into play. The RSI is showing signs of losing upwards momentum in the overbought zone, which could signal caution. Meanwhile, the MACD is still favoring bulls. Source: xStation

News

• Rheinmetall (RHM.DE) Secures Major Bundeswehr Logistics Contract - The German defense company has won a framework agreement worth up to €260 million to support military force deployments within and from Germany. The contract, running initially for three years with possible extensions until 2029, includes provisions for defense and alliance contingencies. Through its Project Solutions GmbH subsidiary, Rheinmetall will establish and operate Convoy Support Centers and assembly areas along march routes, marking its first industrial partnership under the Bundeswehr's "Operations Plan Germany". The company will provide comprehensive services including accommodation, sanitation, catering, and security for both German and allied forces (NATO, UN, EU, and Partnership-for-Peace states).
• Infineon Launches Advanced EV Gate Drivers, Targets Growing E-Mobility Market - The semiconductor manufacturer has expanded its EiceDRIVER portfolio with new isolated gate-driver ICs specifically designed for electric vehicles. The automotive-qualified solutions support both IGBT and SiC technologies, featuring galvanic isolation and bidirectional signal transmission. The new series includes the 1EDI302xAS and 1EDI303xAS families, capable of driving inverters up to and beyond 300kW, with enhanced protection features for ISO 26262 compliance. The products are optimized for Infineon's HybridPACK Drive G2 Fusion module, supporting the company's position in the growing e-mobility sector.
• Commerzbank Signs Major Office Lease Amid Strategic Developments - The German bank has committed to a 15-year lease for a new 52-floor office building in Frankfurt, accommodating 3,200 workplaces from late 2028. The 73,000-square-meter space will help consolidate staff currently scattered across the city. This development comes as Commerzbank implements significant restructuring, including 3,900 job cuts mainly in Germany, while responding to UniCredit's takeover interest. The lease agreement with state lender Helaba represents a notable commitment to Frankfurt's office market, which has faced challenges from post-pandemic work-from-home trends.
• European Auto and Tech Sectors Face U.S. Tariff Uncertainty - President Trump's indication of potential 25% or higher tariffs on automobiles and semiconductors has introduced new market uncertainties ahead of crucial U.S.-EU trade talks. The proposed tariffs, which could increase "substantially" over the year, may significantly impact European manufacturers, with a possible phase-in period for companies to relocate production to the U.S. EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič's Washington visit this week takes on added significance as the bloc seeks clarity on potential exemptions and negotiations. The announcement follows recent U.S. moves to impose tariffs on steel and aluminum, and increased duties on Chinese imports, raising concerns about escalating trade tensions affecting key European industrial sectors.