FRANKFURT (dpa-AFX) - Hopes that the dreaded tightened U.S. customs policy would not materialize on the day of Donald Trump's inauguration have pushed the Dax above 21,000 points for the first time. On Monday, the German leading index closed 0.42 percent higher at 20,990.31 points, peaking at just under 21,055. It was the fourth record day in a row. The mid-cap MDAX index ended the week up 0.65 percent at 26,001.96 points.

The trigger for the somewhat more significant price gains was a report in the Wall Street Journal that the Trump administration is in no rush to change trade policy. Rather, the new US president wants to instruct the authorities to evaluate relations with China and the continent's neighbors in America. This initially dampened fears of a possible trade war between the US and the European Union.

"President Trump's inauguration is a critical moment for Europe," wrote Mathieu Savary of BCA Research. "However, uncertainty is the real pain factor," said the market strategist. If Europe and the US can find a basis for a mutually acceptable deal, this uncertainty should subside. "With his penchant for the surprise effect, Trump is likely to keep the financial markets on their toes in the coming months," commented the experts at Index-Radar./niw/he