FRANKFURT (dpa-AFX): Weighed down by a profit warning from automaker BMW, the Dax postponed another attempt at the 25,000-point mark on Wednesday, closing 0.10 percent higher at 24,934.67 points. Twice already this week, the German benchmark index has retreated after crossing that psychological threshold. The MDax, which tracks medium-sized German companies, gained 0.83 percent to finish at 32,855.82 points mid-week.

Market participants are looking ahead with anticipation to this evening's U.S. interest rate decision, the first under the leadership of the new Fed Chairman, Kevin Warsh. Since no immediate rate change is expected, the focus remains squarely on his accompanying remarks. According to market observer Maximilian Wienke of the brokerage eToro, investors primarily want to know whether the Fed will maintain its independence under pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump.

"The significant drop in oil prices following the U.S.-Iran agreement gives Warsh a bit more breathing room for his debut today and slightly reduces the risks associated with the meeting," suggests expert Krishna Guha of the U.S. research firm Evercore ISI. However, he believes that the risks surrounding the new Fed chief's inauguration remain higher than usual. Warsh is walking a "fine line."/edh/men