The DAX, short for Deutscher Aktienindex, is Germany’s benchmark stock market index and one of Europe’s most closely watched equity indices. It tracks the performance of the largest publicly listed companies trading on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange through the Xetra electronic trading system. The index officially started on December 30, 1987, with a base value of 1,000 points. Over the years, it has become a key indicator of Germany’s economic strength and industrial performance.   

Originally known as the DAX 30, the index included 30 blue-chip German companies listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange for more than three decades. However, in September 2021, Deutsche Börse expanded the index from 30 to 40 companies, creating the DAX 40. The move followed the massive Wirecard accounting scandal, which exposed weaknesses in the index’s selection rules and corporate governance standards. Wirecard, once a constituent of the benchmark index, collapsed in 2020 after revealing that €1.9 billion in cash was missing from its accounts. 

To restore investor confidence, Deutsche Börse introduced stricter eligibility criteria, including mandatory profitability requirements and timely financial reporting. The expansion also improved sector diversification by adding more healthcare, technology, and consumer-focused companies to the index.    

DAX Trading Hours in India   

The index follows the Frankfurt Stock Exchange trading schedule. For Indian investors, DAX trading hours are generally from 12:30 PM to 9:00 PM IST during standard European market timings. However, timings may shift slightly during daylight saving changes in Europe.  

Because of overlapping hours with Indian markets, traders in India can track global market sentiment and react to European developments in real time. 

How to Invest in DAX from India   

Indian investors can gain exposure to the DAX through several routes. One of the simplest methods is investing in international mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that track the DAX index. Some global brokerage platforms also allow Indians to invest directly in overseas ETFs listed in Europe or the US.  

Another option is trading DAX-linked derivatives such as CFDs or futures through international brokers approved for overseas investing. Investors can also access Germany-focused international funds under the RBI’s Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS), which permits Indian residents to invest abroad within prescribed limits.  

For long-term investors, such exposure provides diversification beyond Indian equities and access to some of Europe’s largest global companies.