FRANKFURT (dpa-AFX): Following mixed signals from overseas, the Dax appears set for initial modest losses on Thursday. Approximately two and a half hours before the Xetra open, broker IG pegged the German benchmark index 0.2 percent lower at 24,886 points. This suggests a renewed test of the 21-day moving average, currently situated at 24,839 points.

In the United States, the Dow Jones Industrial reached another record high in early trading on Wednesday before ultimately reversing into negative territory. Meanwhile, the Nasdaq 100 continued its correction: and for the first time since its spectacular IPO late last week, SpaceX shares also saw a pullback.

As expected, the Federal Reserve once again left interest rates unchanged. In his first meeting, the new Fed Chair, Kevin Warsh, declined to implement the rate cuts demanded by President Trump. However, experts view the revised language regarding price stability as a signal of upcoming interest rate hikes, a prospect that investors find less than palatable.

In Asia, however, stock markets in Japan and South Korea proved resilient once again. "Investors are not ignoring the Fed's signals," commented market expert Stephen Innes. "But they are betting that the oil shock will dissipate faster than the Fed is willing to admit." Energy prices had spiked due to the conflict in Iran, triggering immense inflation concerns. However, amid easing tensions, prices have since dropped significantly./ag/zb