German DAX Hits Record High as Reform Package Spurs Market Gains

The rally marks a notable shift for German equities, which have lagged behind global peers with a 4.6% gain year-to-date, trailing the S&P 500’s 10% climb. Previous market enthusiasm from early 2026 had been stifled by domestic manufacturing concerns and inflationary pressures linked to the U.S.-Iran conflict. However, the latest reform package—focusing on tax relief, labor market adjustments, and a Swedish-style pension fund—has provided a catalyst for growth. Deutsche Bank senior economist Marion Muhlberge noted that the measures align with forecasts for an economic pickup in the second half of the year.

Corporate activity further fueled the index’s ascent. Pharmaceuticals giant Bayer surged 8% to a three-year high following a favorable Supreme Court ruling regarding its Roundup litigation. Meanwhile, SAP rose 1% as the software firm pivoted resources toward artificial intelligence, and defense contractor Rheinmetall gained 6.1%. While analysts like J.P. Morgan’s Greg Fuzesi described the government’s approach as both broad and urgent, others remain cautious. ING analyst Carsten Brzeski cautioned that while the reforms represent a departure from bureaucratic stagnation, structural issues regarding affordable energy and corporate taxation remain unresolved.