German DAX index traded slightly higher on Thursday supported by car makers and technology shares but retreated as data showed US jobless claims rose more than expected. Volkswagen gained 1.4% and BMW AG surged 1.8% as data showed Euro Zone industrial production advanced by 0.5% in February instead of predicted drop. Infineon Technologies rallied 4.6% after Deutsche Bank upgraded the share from hold to buy. At the moment of writing DAX 30 index is 0.13% or 7.15 points up at 6,679.82.