How Germany's political crisis could impact markets and trading
Germany faces political uncertainty as its governing coalition collapses amid economic challenges. Here's what traders need to know about the potential market impact.
Understanding Germany's political crisis
The collapse of Germany's three-party coalition government has thrown Europe's largest economy into turmoil. Chancellor Olaf Scholz's dismissal of Finance Minister Christian Lindner marks a critical turning point in German politics.
The political upheaval comes at a particularly challenging time, with Germany already grappling with economic headwinds. The uncertainty has raised concerns about the country's ability to implement crucial economic reforms.
Recent events have left Germany effectively under a caretaker administration ahead of potential snap elections in March. This political limbo severely limits the government's capacity to enact new policies or respond to economic challenges.
The situation is further complicated by rising support for the right wing Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party, which could reshape Germany's political landscape. Going forward, traditional parties may face unprecedented challenges in forming stable coalitions with negative implications for the already struggling German economic powerhouse which used to be Europe’s driving engine but now seems to be holding the continent back.
Impact on German markets and sectors
The German DAX index
The political uncertainty has particularly affected German shares, with key sectors facing significant headwinds. The automotive industry, led by Volkswagen, is struggling with transition challenges. The company, taken by surprise by the rapid rise of electric cars, has become a symbol of Germany's economic woes, and recently asked staff to take pay cuts, warning it may shut plants in the country for the first time in its 87-year history.
Banking stocks, including Commerzbank, face additional pressure as the political vacuum complicates potential merger situations. The lack of clear government direction makes it harder for companies to plan strategically.
Germany's export-dependent economy could face significant challenges, with some economists predicting a potential 1.5% economic contraction in 2027 and 2028 were US tariffs on the country’s exports to be introduced.
According to LSEG, German company earnings are expected to fall 2.8% in the third quarter (Q3), behind countries like Spain and the United Kingdom. That compares with a more than 8% rise expected across Europe in general.
The negative German outlook has impacted sentiment on the euro and German stock market across European trading platforms.
Impact of uncertainty on German DAX 40 index
The uncertainty has created volatile conditions for traders focusing on German markets, with the DAX 40 showing increased sensitivity to political developments.
This was evident on the day of the US presidential election when the German DAX 40 stock index at first rallied in line with its US peers before ending the day in negative territory while US indices rallied by 2%-to-6%, several hitting record highs.
DAX 40/US stock indices 5-day percentage comparison chart
The day following the US election, the DAX 40 regained lost ground, though, and rallied by 1.7%, in line with US markets. The German stock index was propped up by chancellor Scholz’s hastily arranged news conference on Wednesday evening in which he promised to deliver a raft of measures for approval in December on issues like pensions and immigration, as part of a 49-point growth package.
German DAX 40 daily candlestick chart
From a purely technical perspective the DAX 40 remains within its long-term uptrend and will continue to do so while it trades above its early October low at 18,912 on a daily chart closing basis.
Were the early October low to give way, however, a fall back towards the September low and the 200-day simple moving average (SMA) at 18,329 could be envisaged.
External factors amplifying market concerns
Global trade tensions have added another layer of complexity to Germany's situation. The prospect of increased tariffs from major trading partners such as the US under the newly elected President-elect Donald Trump threatens to further strain the export-focused economy. It remains to be seen whether President-elect Trump’s often touted 20% tariffs on Europe will actually be implemented, though.
Relations with China, Germany's largest trading partner, remain crucial for market sentiment. Any deterioration in these ties could significantly impact German industrial stocks and broader market performance.
The euro faces potential pressure as political uncertainty combines with economic challenges. Currency traders are closely monitoring developments for signs of stability amid increased volatility in the exchange rate.
EUR/USD daily candlestick chart
Following a 2% drop to four-month lows on the back of Donald Trump’s presidential election victory, provoking a surge in the US dollar, the euro managed to regain some of its losses following the US Federal Reserve’s (Fed) widely anticipated 25 basis point rate cut to 4.50%-to-4.75%.
As long as this week’s $1.0683 low underpins, the EUR/USD exchange rate may recover into year-end and trade back around the $1.1000 mark. A fall trough the $1.0683 level and the June low at $1.0668 would put the April trough at $1.0602 back on the map.
Opportunities for traders
Given this week’s surge in volatility in German stocks and the euro, it is clear that European markets more broadly could feel the effects of Germany's political crisis, given the country's central role in EU economic policy and decision-making.
Despite the challenges, market volatility can create opportunities for well-prepared traders using spread betting or CFD trading.
Sectors undergoing significant change, such as renewable energy and technology, might present interesting trading possibilities as Germany navigates its political transition.
The potential for swift policy changes once political stability returns could create momentum trading opportunities across various asset classes.
Traders should consider using risk management tools and maintaining diversified positions given the heightened uncertainty in German markets.
How to trade German markets during political uncertainty
- Research Germany's political and economic landscape thoroughly
- Consider whether you want to trade or invest
- Open an account with us
- Choose from our range of German markets, including the DAX, shares, and EUR pairs
- Implement appropriate risk management strategies
Looking ahead
The outcome of potential snap elections could significantly influence market direction. Traders should monitor polling data and potential coalition scenarios.
Economic indicators will be crucial in assessing the impact of political uncertainty on German business confidence and investment.
The resolution of key policy issues, particularly around industrial strategy and energy transition, could provide catalysts for market movements.
Global factors, including trade relations and monetary policy developments, will continue to interact with domestic political concerns.
This information has been prepared by IG, a trading name of IG Markets Limited. In addition to the disclaimer below, the material on this page does not contain a record of our trading prices, or an offer of, or solicitation for, a transaction in any financial instrument. IG accepts no responsibility for any use that may be made of these comments and for any consequences that result. No representation or warranty is given as to the accuracy or completeness of this information. Consequently any person acting on it does so entirely at their own risk. Any research provided does not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and needs of any specific person who may receive it. It has not been prepared in accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and as such is considered to be a marketing communication. Although we are not specifically constrained from dealing ahead of our recommendations we do not seek to take advantage of them before they are provided to our clients. See full non-independent research disclaimer and quarterly summary.
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