DAX expected to open slightly lower as competition intensifies in the tech sector
The DAX is set for a weaker start as Brent crude trades above $90, Middle East tensions keep energy prices elevated, and investors reassess competitive pressure across global technology stocks.
written by
Andreas Lipkow
Chief Market Analyst
20 Jul 2026, 07:10
DAX set for a weaker start
The DAX is expected to start the week slightly weaker, opening below the 24,800-point mark. The weekend offered little in the way of positive catalysts to lift investor sentiment, with market participants remaining cautious.
Ongoing military tensions between the United States and Iran continue to drive oil prices higher, with Brent crude now trading above $90 per barrel.
Asian technology stocks diverge
Asian markets presented a mixed picture. Chinese equities benefited from renewed enthusiasm surrounding artificial intelligence, lifting semiconductor and technology stocks.
In contrast, chipmakers in Japan and South Korea came under pressure as investors increasingly view China's technology sector as a growing competitive threat. US technology stocks may also struggle to gain traction at the start of the week.
AI growth meets competitive pressure
The sector is currently caught between two opposing forces: strong long-term growth prospects on the one hand and intensifying competitive pressure on the other.
The enormous potential of AI continues to attract investment, but it also forces companies to defend their market positions more aggressively. Investors are increasingly trying to distinguish the future winners from those that may struggle to keep pace.
Energy prices remain the bigger DAX risk
For the DAX, however, these developments remain of secondary importance given the relatively low weighting of technology stocks within the index. Instead, rising energy prices are once again reviving concerns that Germany's economic slowdown could persist for longer than previously anticipated.
From a technical perspective, the DAX is expected to trade within a range of 24,650 to 24,850 points during today's session.
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DAX extends losses as selling pressure in technology stocks persists
The DAX remains under pressure as technology and semiconductor stocks sell off, with investors balancing Middle East risk, higher oil prices, resilient US data and the prospect of tighter monetary policy.
DAX still searching for direction as US economy remains resilient
The DAX remains trapped around the 25,000-point level as semiconductor profit-taking, Middle East uncertainty and a still-resilient US economy keep investors cautious ahead of another busy US data calendar.
DAX oscillates around 25,000 as US earnings season gets underway
The DAX remains anchored around the 25,000-point level as Middle East risks, higher Brent crude prices and the start of US earnings season shape sentiment. Investors are also watching US inflation data, Federal Reserve testimony and Wednesday's Beige Book.