Frankfurt’s DAX 40 extended early gains on Wednesday afternoon, rising 0.5% to around 25,385, mainly supported by strength in pharma & healthcare, chemical companies and industrials. However, momentum in tech stocks cooled. Traders assessed hotter-than-expected US inflation data for September, which increased the likelihood of a Fed rate hike later this month, while also monitoring the earnings season and geopolitical developments. MTU Aero Engines (3.5%), Rheinmetall (3.3%), Merck (3.1%), Bayer (2.9%), Arbus (2.8%) and Qiagen NV (2.7%) were among the top performers.