German investors cheer up as trade hopes rise

Germany's big automakers hope they're going to swerve U.S. tariffs.

That on expectations that Washington will now at least postpone punitive levies.

And car firms aren't the only Germans feeling more cheery.

The latest ZEW survey numbers helped drive the DAX index higher on Tuesday.

Economic sentiment jumped to minus 2.1 in November from -22.8 the month before.

That was a much bigger improvement than forecast, and comes as hopes for a global trade deal rise.

Some grounds for hope too in Germany's latest corporate earnings.

Shares in chipmaker Infineon jumped over 6% after it beat forecasts and said the semiconductor market was picking up.

Deutsche Post stock also on the up, rising over 4% after it said operating profits almost tripled.

But warning lights are still flickering in the critical car sector.

Tire maker Continental and light maker Osram both reported weaker results.

They've been hit by sliding global demand for cars.

Both would be glad to see a U.S. tariff threat disappear.