The DAX in Frankfurt gained ground to close about 0.8% firmer at 24,377.5 on Thursday, a level not seen since July 10 and extending gains for a second day. Market sentiment was buoyed by favorable trade news and measured optimism about the upcoming Trump-Putin summit, expected to address pathways to a possible resolution in Ukraine. A spokesperson for the European Commission said today it had received from the United States "a new text" with suggestions for the joint declaration on tariffs, which must follow the basic political agreement. Among key movers, top performers included Rheinmetall (+2.8%), followed by Airbus (+2.3%), Allianz (+2.1%), Vonovia (+2.1%) and MTU Aero Engines (+2.1%). Banks also advanced firmly, with Commerzbank and Deutsche Bank adding 1.8% and 1.6%, respectively. On the downside, Thyssenkrupp tumbled 8.6% after slashing its full-year forecasts for investments and sales, while RWE lost 2.5% as first-half results came in below market expectations.