The DAX futures traded 0.11 percent higher at 12,103.5 points as of 08:10 GMT on Wednesday, with geopolitical tensions and downbeat economic data weighing on the benchmark.

Earlier today, Germany’s factory orders came in below expectations. According to official figures, factory orders fell 0.7 percent in July, compared to an estimated 0.3 percent build.

The geopolitical scene remains very delicate, with North Korea saying “gift packages”  will be sent to the US tif President Donald Trump wouldn’t stop threatening them.

Financial sector stocks were pushing the index down earlier in the session today, as traders get ready for this week’s monetary policy meeting of the European Central Bank on Thursday.

Traders will be paying attention to the statement of ECB President Mario Draghi. There is huge anxiety about the possible reduction of the central bank’s massive stimulus program, although chances he will make any announcement on that regard at this stage are barely none.

The German benchmark was affected by a mixed dynamic on Tuesday, with tech companies, retailers and food & beverages pushing the index higher, while telecoms, insurance and basic resources dragged it to the downside.

The best performers of the session were pharma giant Merck, which added 2.37 percent to end at 94.26, followed by Volkswagen rising 1.85 percent to 129.10 at close. Henkel & Co advanced 1.76 percent to finish at 115.40.

The worst performers of the session were Commerzbank falling 2.65 percent to 10.105, Deutsche Bank easing 1.89 percent to close at 13.215 and Muench. Rueckvers., which was down 1.34 percent by the end of trades at 169.35.