Thanks to positive signals from the USA and Asia, the German stock market continued its strong week-end on Monday. Shortly after the start of trading, the Dax rose by 0.73 percent to 13,184.06 points. The MDax of medium-sized stocks gained 1.00 percent to 25,958.63 points, while the leading eurozone index EuroStoxx 50 rose by 0.45 percent to 3586.23 points.

"The fact that the Dax closed above the psychologically important mark of 13,000 points on Friday outshines all risks and stress factors and inspires stock market traders with new courage," said portfolio manager Thomas Altmann from QC Partners. Comments by central bankers who advocate tight monetary policy left equity investors surprisingly cold at the moment. Altmann referred to further statements from central bankers in the USA and Germany over the weekend, who advocated further rate hikes.