Global equity markets scale record highs
Global equity markets scale record highs
In 2013 the effects of the Euro debt crisis on capital markets could still be clearly felt. Against the backdrop of a continued expansionary monetary policy on the part of central banks, the stock markets most relevant to our company soared in some cases to all-time highs. The German DAX share index started 2013 at 7,612 points and – aside from taking a few minor breathers – climbed steadily higher. It closed the year with a gain of 25.5% at 9,552 points. The MDAX performed even more strongly, rallying from 11,914 points at the beginning of the year to 16,574 points after twelve months – a gain of 39.1%. Driven by good economic data, the Dow Jones also closed 2013 at a record level of 16,504, equivalent to an increase of 27.6%. The strongest gains, however, were delivered by the Japanese Nikkei, which put on 56.7% to reach 16,291 points – its highest level in six years.