The DAX 40 extended its losses on the first trading day of September, falling more than 1% to around 25,980, a level last seen in late July. Higher oil prices and bond yields, driven by intensifying Middle East hostilities, have pressured markets globally as renewed inflation concerns strengthen expectations for interest-rate increases. Eurozone inflation rose to 3.3% in August, its highest level since September 2023 and its second consecutive monthly increase, reinforcing expectations of a tighter ECB (European Central Bank) policy stance. Most DAX sectors declined, while utilities and chemical companies gained. MTU Aero Engines led the losses, falling 2.7%, followed by SAP, Deutsche Bank, BMW, Mercedes-Benz Group, Rheinmetall, Volkswagen and Vonovia, each down more than 2%. Merck was the strongest performer, rising 1.6% after HSBC issued a buy recommendation.