The DAX 40 extended its gains on Wednesday, rising 0.7% to cross 26,400, heading for a second straight session of gains, led by banks, industrials and technology stocks. The Middle East situation remained in the spotlight, while traders looked ahead to Nvidia’s earnings report due later in the day. Resumed Iran-Oman talks over the Strait of Hormuz raised hopes that the key waterway could reopen, easing concerns over prolonged disruptions. This prompted another decline in oil prices, helping push bond yields lower and reducing inflation concerns. Elsewhere, the latest US PCE data indicated inflation remained sticky in July.