After the key interest rate decision by the European Central Bank (ECB), the Dax increased its gains somewhat on Thursday afternoon.

At times, the leading German index was 0.5 percent higher at 14,151 points.

The M-Dax of medium-sized titles increased by 0.9 percent to 30,692 points.

The leading euro zone index, the Euro Stoxx 50, rose by 0.5 percent.

Despite record inflation, interest rates in the euro zone will remain unchanged for the time being.

The ECB left interest rates at a record low of zero percent.

At the same time, however, the monetary watchdogs confirmed that they were heading towards an end to their ultra-loose monetary policy.

Economists believe that a first rate hike is still possible this year.

In the USA and Great Britain, on the other hand, the central banks have already increased the key interest rate.

Because there was no unexpected acceleration in the tightening of monetary policy, investors on the stock exchange took action again, according to the trade.

Aviation stocks benefit

Aviation stocks posted gains.

In the Dax, Airbus and MTU were among the favorites with growth of up to a good 2 percent.

With a plus of 4.5 percent, Fraport was among the top values ​​in the M-Dax, in which the Lufthansa papers also rose by 2.4 percent.

Aviation stocks helped that low-cost carrier Wizz Air appeared to have had a good quarter.

The operating loss appears to be lower than originally expected by the low-cost airline, JPMorgan said.

The day before, good figures from Delta Air Lines in the United States had given the airlines' papers a boost.

At the end of the Dax, Volkswagen lost 1.7 percent based on key data for the first quarter and sales figures.

The papers of the medical and safety technology group Drägerwerk were also very weak in the S-Dax with minus 5.7 percent.

Due to increasing difficulties in the delivery of electronic components, only reaching the lower end of the forecast range is to be expected, the Lübeck-based company announced.

The titles of the online used car dealer Auto1 easily put away their previous day's weakness with a plus of more than 12 percent.

In addition, the shares of Südzucker Group and its subsidiary Cropenergies rose by 3.6 and 5.1 percent, respectively, according to key figures and statements on further business development.

The euro fell after the ECB decisions.

At times, the common currency cost 1.0877 US dollars.

The ECB set the reference rate at $1.0826 on Wednesday.

On the bond market, the current yield fell from 0.72 percent on the previous day to 0.68 percent.

The Rex pension index rose by 0.17 percent to 136.85 points.

The Bund future was 0.03 percent higher at 155.50 points.

Concerns about the economy and interest rates

Concerns about the economy and interest rates are likely to concern Dax investors even after the Easter holidays.

The analysts at Helaba stated that the German stock market was still battered because of the Ukraine war and rising inflation.

"The markets are nervous, but cannot decide on a clear direction." Investors are obviously unwilling to make longer-term commitments and are quick to take profits again.

On Maundy Thursday, the Dax lost around 1 percent on a weekly basis.

In the meantime, before the long weekend, it had again slipped below the psychologically important mark of 14,000 points.

Trading is closed on Good Friday and Easter Monday

The economic data coming out from the euro area on Friday should not bode well for the new week.

The purchasing managers' indices for the manufacturing sector should show that the industry is under pressure because of the war in Ukraine and the renewed lockdowns in China, forecasts Commerzbank analyst Marco Wagner.

Experts expect another decline in April.

The expert also paints a rather gloomy picture for China: the economy has lost momentum.

Real estate sales have continued to plummet since the second half of the year and the authorities are likely to stick to the zero Covid strategy.

First quarter GDP growth figures will be released on Monday.

Industrial production data for the euro area are due on Wednesday,

Investors also continue to wonder how much and how quickly the Fed will tighten the reins in the coming weeks.

Investors are hoping for clues on Wednesday from the publication of the “Beige Book”, the US Federal Reserve's economic report.

The balance sheet is picking up speed

In other countries, however, the publication of quarterly results is picking up speed.

On Tuesday, investors look at L'Oreal and IMB, among others.

Procter & Gamble, Danone and Tesla are on the agenda for Wednesday.

In the case of the e-car pioneer, investors will keep an eye on CEO Elon Musk's takeover plans for the short message service Twitter.

Musk wants to pay $41.4 billion for Twitter and take the social media service private.

The Swiss food giant Nestle will be coming up with figures on Thursday, and AT&T will be presenting them from the USA.

Things will get exciting in Germany on Friday when the Walldorf-based software group SAP will allow an insight into its books.

Investors are also waiting for details on the future of the Russian business.

SAP is considering a complete withdrawal because of the Ukraine war.

In the presidential elections in France on Sunday, incumbent Emmanuel Macron and his right-wing populist challenger Marine Le Pen will go to the runoff.

Pollsters are predicting a close race, with Macron likely to come out on top.