The DAX tracks 40 leading German companies listed in Frankfurt. It is commonly quoted as a performance index that incorporates reinvested dividends as well as share-price changes.
History and development
DAX launched on July 1, 1988, originally with 30 leading German companies. It expanded to 40 in 2021. Changes in membership rules and size have adapted the benchmark to its market, so historical references to DAX 30 describe a different constituent count from the modern index.
References: STOXX: DAX
Comparing charts on this board
Add FTSE 100 and the S&P 500 to distinguish German leadership from a Europe-wide or global move. DAX-only strength directs attention to constituents' earnings; joint strength directs attention toward broader growth and rate news.
EUR/USD adds currency context for exporters. Keep the currency environment and equity response separate. For long-term comparisons, align price versus total-return conventions: the commonly quoted DAX includes reinvested dividends.
Related charts: FTSE 100 · S&P 500 · EUR / USD
Official references: STOXX: DAX