At the start of trading, the DAX recorded slight losses of 0.08 percent weaker at 15,619.75 units. The stock market barometer is currently down 0.44 percent, 15,562.38 points.
On the second day of his appearance before Congress, US Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell dampened concerns about key interest rates rising again more quickly. “We haven’t made a decision about the March session yet,” he said. The market clearly interpreted his statements to the US Senate Banking Committee on Tuesday in the direction of more significant rate hikes.
Impulses from the reporting season
In Germany, the reporting season continues with numerous companies. Dividends in particular are in focus on this day. Deutsche Post reported a record year, but expects business momentum to slow down in 2023. The group nevertheless increased the dividend and is expanding its share buyback program.
After a record profit last year, Hannover Re also wants to pay out more money to shareholders, but has redivided the basic dividend and special dividend. Investors don’t seem to like that.
The chip industry supplier Siltronic, on the other hand, is keeping the dividend stable after a significant increase in profits in 2022.
The steel trader Klöckner and the solar technology manufacturer SMA Solar made statements about the new year. KlöCo expects a further decline in profits. Despite higher steel prices at the beginning of the year, the company expects prices to be lower overall for the year. Adjusted operating earnings (Ebitda) should be at a “strong level”, but below the previous year’s figure. Thanks to the delivery situation, which has meanwhile improved significantly again, SMA is aiming for significant growth in sales and operating earnings in the current year.
Editorial office finanzen.net / dpa-AFX
Image sources: Julian Mezger for Finanz Verlag