German DAX 30 index slightly appreciated on Thursday, lifted by Deutsche Boerse as European Union prohibited its planned USD10bn merger with NYSE Euronext, claiming the deal would violate fair rivalry principles as other exchange operators would not be able to compete. Deutsche Boerse jumped 3.7% on the announcement. On the downside Deutsche Bank plunged 2% after lender reported 76% drop in 4th quarter profit. At the moment DAX 30 index is trading 0.32% or 21.08 points higher at 6,637.54.