For the Dax DE0008469008, a further moderate recovery is emerging on Thursday ahead of the monthly US labor market report.

One hour before trading began, the German benchmark index, the X-Dax DE000A0C4CA0, signaled a 0.2 percent gain to 23,830 points. Its Eurozone counterpart, the EuroStoxx 50 EU0009658145, was expected to remain virtually unchanged.

In midweek, the DAX had only temporarily reacted negatively to the fact that the US private sector had cut jobs in June for the first time in over two years. Economists had expected job growth. However, investors quickly reinterpreted the news according to the motto "bad news is good news," and interest rate cut speculation gained momentum, commented market expert Stephen Innes of SPI Asset Management.

According to data from service provider ADP, the major US stock indices also quickly overcame their bout of weakness and mostly closed with gains. As was the case the previous day, Asian trading markets were unable to find a common direction.

On the German stock market, companies with key figures for the past quarter were in focus. The online pharmacy Redcare Pharmacy NL0012044747 reported a significant increase in sales, as analysts expected, and confirmed its annual targets. The figures aren't brilliant, but should be enough to boost the recently weak shares, a trader explained. The shares rose sharply before trading on the Tradegate trading platform.

Leasing specialist Grenke DE000A161N30 secured more new business than in the same period last year and increased its margin. Market analysts noted solid business development, but it no longer looks as good as at the start of the year. Nevertheless, further gains are on the horizon for the recently strong stocks.

Meanwhile, shares of Brenntag DE000A1DAHH0 came under pressure following a downgrade. Private bank Berenberg withdrew its buy recommendation and now recommends Brenntag as a "hold." Expert Carl Raynsford justified his reassessment by citing a "gloomy summer" as putting the company's annual targets at risk. However, this risk has already largely been priced in.