The DAX in Frankfurt closed about 0.6% down at 23,920 after a choppy session on Friday, its lowest since August 5 and extending losses for the fifth straight session. Investors grew cautious ahead of the weekend, weighing political instability in France and rising geopolitical tensions, with intensifying clashes in Gaza and Ukraine. Meanwhile, inflation data from Europe indicated limited price pressures. Domestically, the German inflation rate rose to 2.2% in August from 2% in July and above market forecasts of 2.1%, though remaining close to the ECB's 2% target. Sector-wise, tech companies, retailers and auto stocks were the hardest hit. Conversely, defense stocks including Rheinmetall, Renk and Hensoldt saw gains above 3%, after Chancellor Friedrich Merz cast doubt on the likelihood of talks between Putin and Zelenskiy. The DAX recorded a 1.8% weekly drop and a 0.6% fall for the month.