The DAX 40 slipped marginally to close at 26,292 on Thursday, extending losses to a second session even as the index stayed near recent record highs. Investor sentiment was supported by lower oil prices and easing concern over interest rates, but caution persisted because of uncertainty surrounding the Iran conflict. Corporate earnings remained in focus as reporting season neared its end. BASF fell 2%, Mercedes-Benz Group lost 1.5% and Volkswagen dropped 1.3%, marking the biggest declines in the index. Continental led gainers with a rise of around 3%, while RWE advanced 2.5% after posting better-than-expected first-half profit, helped by a Dutch compensation payment and stronger energy trading, and reaffirming its 2026 dividend and long-term profit targets.