The DAX Index had a strong performance in 2025 as it jumped by 22%, which mirrored the growth of other global indices like the S&P 500 and the Dow Jones indices. It was trading at €24,340, up by 32% from its lowest level in April.
However, the index has remained in a narrow range of between €23,030 and €24,665 since May this year. This article looks at the best and worst-performing companies in the index this year.
Rheinmetall’s stock price soared amid demand sure
Rheinmetall, the biggest defense contractor in Germany, was the best-performing company in the German DAX Index as it jumped by ~150%.
The company’s business has continued doing well as Germany and other European countries have boosted their defense spending. Indeed, Donald Trump has pressured NATO members to boost their spending to 5% of the GDP, a move that will benefit the bloc’s defence contractors.
Rheinmetall’s revenue jumped by 20% in the third quarter to €75 billion, with its backlog soaring to over 64 billion euros. Therefore, the stock surge is mostly because analysts expect that the company will become a major challenger to its American rivals like RTX and Lockheed Martin.
Siemens Energy stock soared amid power demand
Siemens Energy share price jumped by 140% this year, making it one of the best-performing companies in the DAX Index. It has now jumped by over 333% in the last three years, marking a strong turnaround for a company that was about to collapse a few years ago.
Siemens Energy’s stock price mirrored the performance of GE Vernova, its biggest rival in the energy equipment industry. The companies are benefiting from the ongoing energy demand because of the ongoing artificial intelligence boom.
This boom has led to more demand, with its annual revenue soaring by 17% to over €59 billion. Most notably, Siemens Gamesa, its wind business, returned to growth, with its revenue rising by 30% to €9.32 billion.
Commerzbank shares jumped amid acquisition hopes
Commerzbank stock price jumped by 126% this year for two main reasons. First, the rally mirrored the performance of other European banks like Lloyds, Société Générale, and Deutsche Bank. Indeed, Deutsche Bank stock jumped by 100% and was the fourth best performer.
Second, the stock did well, and hopes remained that Commerzbank will make a bid for the company, potentially in the coming year. An acquisition would help to boost the performance of the stock as the company will need to pay a premium.
Bayer stock jumped as its crop science division improved
Bayer was the fifth-best performing company in the DAX Index as it jumped by 86% this year. This surge happened as the embattled company published several encouraging financial results, helped by its pharmaceutical and crop science businesses.
These numbers helped to boost its forward guidance, with its revenue expected to be between €46 billion and €48 billion.
Most recently, the company said that its crop science business strengthened, which helped it to offset the performance of its consumer business.
The other top gainers in the DAX Index were companies like RWE, Fresenius, Deutsche Post, Continental, and Allianz.
On the other hand, the top laggards in the index were companies like Symrise, Adidas, Beiersdorf, Zalando, and Vonovia.
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