DAX 40 Holds Steady Ahead of ECB Rate Decision

The DAX 40 index has stabilized around 25,550 points on Thursday, hovering near its lowest level since late July.

The recent rally in oil prices paused, and investors are awaiting the European Central Bank's policy decision later in the day.

Markets have fully priced in a 25-basis-point interest-rate hike, which would mark the ECB's second increase this year and lift the key deposit rate to 2.50%.

Investors are focusing on the ECB's updated economic forecasts and President Christine Lagarde's press conference for further clues on the future path of monetary policy.