FRANKFURT (dpa-AFX) - The DAX resumed its record chase on Friday. Investors are now more cautious, as evidenced by the high number of hedging transactions, "but they are not leaving the party," commented portfolio manager Thomas Altmann of QC Partners.

In early trading, the leading German index rose by 0.18 percent to 20,462.84 points, setting a new record. In the current year, the index is up 22 percent. The MDax fell by 0.07 percent in the morning to 26,795.48 points. The leading eurozone index EuroStoxx 50 rose by 0.05 percent to 4,967.90 points.

Meanwhile, overseas stock market data was negative. The stock markets in the USA had recorded losses the previous day and Asia was also down for the most part. However, the leading German index has recently decoupled itself somewhat from developments on the other stock markets.

In general, however, investors remain on hold, as the European Central Bank (ECB) cut its key interest rate for the fourth time this year the previous day and the Fed's interest rate decision is due next week. A rate cut is also expected in the USA./ck/jha/