SDAX closes nearly flat at 18,420 points after mixed company news
Published on 10/29/2026 at 22:56 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWSSDAX ends a quiet trading session
- The SDAX closed on October 29, 2026, at 18,420.41 points, down 0.01 percent.
- Basler led the index after raising its 2026 outlook again, while Heidelberger Druckmaschinen fell after cutting its earnings forecast.
- The European Central Bank left eurozone policy rates unchanged, providing a supportive backdrop for broader German equities.
The SDAX ended Thursday's session almost unchanged at 18,420.41 points. According to finanzen.ch, the index declined 0.01 percent from the previous close of 18,422.69 points. It traded between 18,286.23 and 18,466.13 points during the day, indicating a narrow range despite pronounced moves in individual constituents.
Mixed company news shaped the session
Basler was the strongest SDAX constituent, gaining 13.19 percent after the image-processing specialist raised its 2026 targets again following nine months of strong growth. The company now expects revenue of 295 million to 300 million euros and an EBIT margin of 17.5 percent to 19.5 percent, according to t-online.
At the other end of the index, Heidelberger Druckmaschinen lost 11.03 percent. The company reduced its forecast for adjusted EBITDA margin to 5.6 percent to 6.6 percent after a disappointing first half. Management cited the development of the global economy, continued cost pressure, negative product-mix effects related to the Middle East and project delays in its technology division, as reported by t-online.
ECB decision supported the wider market
The European Central Bank left its key interest rates unchanged, following the Federal Reserve's decision on the previous evening. The broader German market responded positively: the DAX rose 1.31 percent to 26,039.68 points, while the MDAX gained 1.23 percent, according to finanzen.ch. The SDAX did not participate to the same extent, as the opposing effects of company-specific news kept the small-cap index close to its prior level.
For investors, the session underlines the importance of earnings guidance among smaller German companies. The index itself remained stable, but the gap between Basler's outlook-driven advance and Heidelberger Druckmaschinen's forecast-related decline shows how strongly individual results can influence SDAX performance.
Further SDAX coverage is available on the SDAX topic page.
