The DAX 40 extended initial gains on Wednesday, rising 0.5% to a fresh high above 26,500 and extending gains for a fifth straight session. Traders weighed economic data, Middle East developments and corporate earnings. The latest US data showed inflation eased in line with expectations in July, while core inflation also slowed slightly to 2.5% from 2.6%, tempering expectations of Fed rate hikes. Tech stocks rallied, with Infineon Technologies rising 3.8%, following surprisingly strong earnings from US companies CoreWeave and Super Micro Computer. Industrials also advanced firmly, with Rheinmetall and Siemens Energy adding more than 4% each.