the world's largest chemicals maker, basf surpassed analysts' expectations. profit doubled in the second quarter to 2.2 billion euros. the company says that profits will not rise as steeply in the coming months. another german company to post strong man -- storm results was nieman's. they said that energy, health care, and energy divisions topped 2.3 billion euros. it has seen a huge rise in wind turbine sales. >> it has been a busy day of earnings reports for german companies. our correspondent sent us this report on the day's trading. >> it was the busiest reporting day for dax companies during this reporting season. that had an increasing order influx at manyompanies. something is weighing on investor's moods as well. it is the situation in america. the labor market is not satisfactory. the foreclosures in many homes is happening in many cities in the united states. this is weighing on consumer confidence. the dax currently away from its year high by about 200 points. >> staying in frankfurt, this index closed. it is clearly down in neighborho -- is clearl