German stocks - Factors to watch on March 18

FRANKFURT, March 18 (Reuters) - The DAX top-30 index .GDAXI looked set to open 1.8 percent higher on Wednesday, according to pre-market data from brokers at 0720 GMT.

The following are some of the factors that may move German stocks on Wednesday (share price indications at 0720 GMT):

BMW (BMWG.DE)

Indicated 1.1 percent higher

Annual press conference at 0900 GMT.

Related news [BMWG.DE-E]

ALLIANZ (ALVG.DE)

Indicated 2.3 percent higher

Allianz Global Investors aims to merge most of its mutual funds with those of German asset management rival Cominvest rather than asking investors to switch between products or close funds. [ID:nLH949634]

Related news [ALVG.DE-E]

COMMERZBANK (CBKG.DE), CONTINENTAL (CONG.DE)

Commerzbank indicated 4.1 percent higher

Continental indicated 0.4 percent higher