Year-end surrender by Dax admitted
In a more relaxed tone, let's break down the happenings on the stock exchange:
The stock market wrapped up a stellar year on a slightly sour note with the Dax dropping 0.46% on the last trading day. Despite the misstep, the Dax still managed a 19,893-point close, marking a nearly 20% gain for the year. The MDax lost 0.51%, while the SDax gained 9 points. The Eurozone's leading index, the EuroStoxx 50, fell by 0.4%.
Rumors are swirling around Siemens and its stake in Siemens Healthineers, a medical technology subsidiary. For the first time, Siemens' Chief Financial Officer Ralf Thomas hinted at questioning the company's majority stake. The synergies with the MRI and laboratory lines manufacturer aren't substantial enough to justify a 45 billion euro commitment, according to Thomas. A possible sale could put slight pressure on the stock, but a decision is still months away.
Major Asian stock markets showed mixed results on Monday, mirroring weak guidance from US markets. China saw gains, with the Hong Kong stock exchange remaining steady. The Nikkei 225 closed down nearly 1% to 39,895 points, marking the last trading day of the year for the Japanese index. After a robust 2013 and an even stronger 2023, the Nikkei finished 2024 with a 19% yearly increase.
Nissan Motor shares were in the spotlight on Monday, with a near 6% drop following concerns over the terms of a planned merger with Honda Motor. Despite this, Nissan's shares had surged by more than 60% since the deal was announced.
The gold price stood at 2,510.13 euros per fine ounce, while the oil price was at 73.6 dollars per barrel of Brent. The euro remained steady at 1.042 dollars.
As for Siemens Healthineers, there's talk about the company considering the sale of its ultrasound division, which could be worth up to $1 billion. This move is part of the company's long-term strategy to maintain market leadership beyond 2025[5]. Recapping the news, HSBC recently upgraded Siemens Healthineers' stock to a "Buy" rating, citing the company's robust product offerings and growth prospects[2]. Investors will get a better picture when Siemens Healthineers releases its second-quarter results on May 7, 2025[1].
- Ralf Thomas, the Chief Financial Officer of Siemens, suggested questioning the company's majority stake in Siemens Healthineers, indicating potential financial implications for the stock.
- Siemens Healthineers, a medical technology subsidiary of Siemens, may be considering the sale of its ultrasound division, which could be valued up to $1 billion as part of its long-term strategy.
- HSBC recently upgraded Siemens Healthineers' stock to a "Buy" rating, highlighting the company's strong product offerings and growth prospects, signaling potential investing opportunities in the healthcare industry.
- Siemens Healthineers is scheduled to release its second-quarter results on May 7, 2025, providing investors with a clearer picture of the company's financial standing and future plans.
- In the finance and investment world, keeping an eye on Siemens Healthineers, a key player in the medical technology industry, could be crucial for understanding business trends and making informed decisions in the industry.
