The DAX 40 edged 0.3% higher to around 26,070 on Friday, extending modest gains for a second session after a slow start. Automotive stocks led the advance, with Volkswagen shares surging 6.3% after its board approved a major turnaround plan. Investors also continued assessing the monetary-policy outlook, with the European Central Bank expected to deliver a final 25-basis-point rate increase next week. Developments in the Middle East remained another focus for markets.