FRANKFURT (dpa-AFX) - Ahead of the Fed's interest rate decision, investors on the German stock market were cautiously optimistic in the middle of the week. Although a rate cut is not yet expected, there are hopes for indications of one at the September meeting. In addition, the recovery rally on the US technology stock exchange Nasdaq created a positive mood.

At the end of trading on Wednesday, the leading Dax index maintained a price increase of 0.53 percent to 18,508.65 points. This was a continuation of the previous day's positive performance after a weak start to the week. For the month of July, it recorded a gain of 1.5 percent - a 10.5 percent gain since the beginning of the year. The MDax of medium-sized companies ultimately rose by 0.26% to 25,373.12 points on Wednesday.

Stock market prices also rose in Europe. The leading eurozone index EuroStoxx 50 closed almost 0.7 percent higher. Prices also rose in Paris and even more so in London. The leading US index, the Dow Jones Industrial, managed a gain of 0.5 percent at the end of European trading, while the technology-heavy Nasdaq 100 gained 3 percent./gl/he