FRANKFURT (dpa-AFX) - The Frankfurt stock exchange saw further moderate gains at the beginning of the week after the robust previous week. The Dax benefited in early trading from rising car stocks and the hope that Europe and China will find a solution to their customs dispute. In early trading, the Dax rose by 0.22% to 18,202.63 points, while the MDax gained 0.07% to 25,313.37 points. The leading eurozone index EuroStoxx 50 rose at a similar rate to the Dax.

Last week, the Dax had gained 0.9 percent and in doing so, it had again moved slightly away from the 100-day moving average. However, the sword of Damocles of the upcoming French elections continues to hover over the markets. According to market observer Jochen Stanzl from broker CMC Markets, the recent stabilization of the DAX above the 18,000-point mark has led to initial speculative buying. He also wrote of the hope that "political bores are known to have short legs".

According to the equity market strategists at JPMorgan, the risks in France could once again cause a setback. They are therefore still wary of an "overweight" vote for European equities over the USA, but are preparing investors for an approaching opportunity to enter eurozone equities on Monday./tih/mis