DAX 40 index hits its lowest level since late July as markets await the European Central Bank’s rate decision

Frankfurt’s DAX 40 index fell to 25,510 points on Thursday, its lowest level since late July, as oil prices continued to rise and investors awaited the European Central Bank’s policy decision later that day. Markets had fully priced in a 25-basis-point rate hike, which would bring the deposit rate to 2.50% and mark the ECB’s second hike this year. Among individual stocks, RWE, Porsche AG, DHL and MTU Aero Engines rose 1.7%, 1.0%, 0.8% and 0.4%, respectively, following positive comments from JPMorgan.