Latest News
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Stellantis CEO asks EU to support the car sector
In order to protect the automotive industry, the new CEO of Stellantis, a carmaker in Greece, has called on the European Union (EU) to be flexible when it comes to the transition to electric cars. "A strategic dialog is important, but it's now vital to act urgently." Antonio Filosa became CEO of Stellantis in June. On September 12, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will host executives from the automotive industry to discuss the future. The sector is under threat due to the Chinese competition with electric vehicles, and U.S. Tariffs. Filosa is the head of Fiat, Alfa Romeo and Peugeot brands. Chrysler, Jeep and Opel are also part of the group. Filosa has called on the European Commission (EC) to encourage the sale of hybrid cars to reduce the average age of the vehicles on the roads. In a joint interview, he told Italy's Il Sole 24 Ore as well as France's Les Echos that a European policy encouraging the replacement of older vehicles with new ones and a wider range of powertrains could have a greater effect on global CO2 emission than an annual new car market. Filosa stated that the Light Commercial Vehicles sector is facing an urgent situation and suggested that the CO2 emission period for this category should be increased to five years, from three. As he reviewed the brand portfolio, he also tried to dispel speculation that Stellantis might seek a buyer of Maserati. He said: "I would like to be clear that Maserati was not for sale. We need to know which products we should develop and what long-term strategies to adopt for our iconic brand."
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Daniel Craig reprises his role as Benoit Blanc, the detective in "Wake Up Dead Man: a Knives Out Mystery"
In "Wake Up Dead Man, A Knives Out Mystery", the third installment of the franchise, Daniel Craig's charismatic and sharply dressed Benoit Blanc is back to solve yet another murder case. It's dark, big and fun. The latest installment of the Whodunit genre from writer-director Rian Johnston takes place in a small town church in Upstate New York, with a more grounded tone. Johnson said on the red carpet before the Toronto International Film Festival premiere that they were trying to "do something different every time". "The first was a cozy mystery. The second was a broad, kind of vacation comedy mystery. "This one has a darker tone and is more gothic, but it's still fun," said he. Craig couldn't be more in agreement. "It is a departure. It's an entirely different movie. "But it's still Benoit blanc mystery", the former James Bond actor said. The ensemble cast includes Josh O'Connor (left), Glenn Close (right), Josh Brolin (center), Mila Kunis (right), Jeremy Renner and Kerry Washington. Also included are Andrew Scott, Cailee Spaeny, Daryl McCormack, Thomas Haden Church, and Andrew Scott. O'Connor was awash with praise for Johnson who he called his "idol". He said that Johnson was a "genius writer and director". The young British actor who played Prince Charles on the TV show "The Crown" received the most applause for his performance of a young priest following the premiere. Spaeny said that she was grateful to have the chance to play a cellist and enjoyed every moment on the set. The American actress, who learned the cello in preparation for her part, stars in her first comedy. She said, "It felt like we weren't being paid for this work." Craig also praised the cast for their "bubbly" nature. He said, "We have been extremely lucky in the entire series. We nailed it once again." The film will be released in limited theaters on November 26, before being streamed on Netflix starting December 12. (Reporting from Bhargav Asharya in Toronto, Editing by Caroline Stauffer & William Mallard
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China's central banks buys gold for the 10th consecutive month in August
China's central banks added gold to their reserves in August, continuing purchases for a 10th consecutive month, according to official data released on Sunday. Gold, traditionally viewed as a safe asset in times of uncertainty, is up 35% on the year. It reached a record-high last week amid strong demand for investments and purchases from central banks, including those in China. China's gold reserves increased to 74.02 millions fine troy-ounces by the end August from 73.96 at the end July. According to the data released by the Central Bank, they were valued at 253.84 billion dollars, an increase from $243.99 at the end the previous month. The People's Bank of China, which is the head of research for online marketplace BullionVault, said that while China's gold purchasing has slowed down in 2025, it has increased its bullion reserve at prices ever higher. Beijing's continued accumulation of gold is a signal that it has faith in the metal as a reserve for long-term. This also boosts the confidence of China's investors and private households in gold. The demand for gold was low in the world's biggest producer and consumer this week due to the high price. Dealers offered discounts above the global benchmark, to lure buyers. (Reporting from Amy Lv and Polina Devitt in London for the Beijing Newsroom. Editing by Clarence Fernandez.)
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After a four-day search, a Canadian soldier is found dead in Latvia
The Canadian military announced on Saturday that a member of the Canadian Armed Forces who was reported missing earlier this week in Latvia has been found deceased. The body of Warrant Officer George Hohl was discovered on Friday, after he disappeared on Tuesday, in the Baltic country where Canada has troops stationed as part a multinational brigade. Hohl worked as a Vehicle Technologist for the 408 Tactical Helicopter Squadron, based in Edmonton (Alberta). He was serving with the Aviation Battalion of NATO's Multinational Brigade - Latvia when he disappeared near the Adazi base. The Canadian Forces Military Police is assisting Latvian authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding Hohl’s death. Officials have stated that "there are no indications this incident poses a greater threat to the safety and security of our deployed members." Jennie Carignan, Chief of Defence Staff and General Jennie Carignan, said that the loss was devastating to the entire Canadian Armed Forces. She added that Hohl will be remembered for his dedication. The warrant officer has served in multiple deployments, including disaster relief operations at home and tours with Operation REASSURANCE (Canada's contribution to NATO’s enhanced forward presence established after Russia's 2014 annexation Crimea). Operation REASSURANCE is a rotation of approximately 2,200 Canadians in the Baltic State. According to a statement from the Canadian military, an investigation is underway into Hohl’s death. (Reporting and editing by Nick Zieminski in Washington)
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Ukraine drones hit training centre at Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, Russian management says
The Russian-installed management of the Russia-held nuclear plant in Ukraine announced on Saturday that Ukrainian drones had hit the roof at the Zaporizhzhia training centre. There was no damage to the building and there was no radiation increase. In a Telegram message, the administration stated that the strike took place about 300 meters (984 feet) away from a nuclear reactor. The statement stated that "This centre is unique - it houses the only full scale simulator of a nuclear reactor hall in the world, which is crucial for staff training." Although the station is Europe's largest nuclear power plant, with six reactors and no power, it still needs power to keep nuclear fuel cool. Administration officials said that the attack did not disrupt the operation of the plant. The administration stated that "operational safety limits have not been violated, and radiation levels are normal." Ukraine has not yet responded. We could not independently confirm the Russian report. In the early weeks of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Russian forces captured the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant. Both sides accuse the other of triggering a nuclear disaster by firing weapons or other actions. Reporting by Lidia Kelley in Melbourne
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Sources say that OPEC+ is likely to agree on a further increase in oil production on Sunday.
OPEC+ sources stated on Saturday that eight OPEC+ nations will likely increase oil production on Sunday, but they may add less oil in October than recent months due to the slowdown of global demand with the end driving season. OPEC+ reversed its April strategy of production cuts and has already increased quotas to about 2,4 million barrels a day (about 2.4% of the world's demand) to increase market share. This is in response to pressure from U.S. president Donald Trump, who wants to lower oil prices. These increases, however, have not had a significant impact on oil prices. They are currently trading at $66 per barrel, supported by Western sanctions against Russia and Iran. This encourages rivals like the United States to increase production. OPEC+ would start to unravel a second layer, averaging about 1.65 millions bpd. This would be more than a full year ahead of schedule. Two sources told me on Saturday that the focus of talks is to gradually unwind this entire cut, in monthly increments. On Sunday, 1230 GMT eight OPEC+ member countries will hold a virtual meeting. The focus of the discussion is likely to be October's output. An OPEC+ official said that the countries could increase their output by 135,000 bpd in October. Another said it might be closer to 200,000-350,000 bpd. The eight members increased production for September by 547,000 bpd at their last August meeting, giving a total of 2.5 million bpd increase for the entire year. This included an additional 300,000 bpd production allocation for the UAE. OPEC's headquarters and Saudi Arabian authorities did not respond to Wednesday's requests for comments. OPEC+ is the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries plus Russia, and other allies. Brent crude futures closed at $65.50 a bar on Friday, down by 2.2%. This was due to a disappointing U.S. employment report and the expectation of a production increase from OPEC+. It is still up since a low in 2025 of around $58 per barrel in April. Analysts have stated that sanctions and the fact that OPEC+ has not met its pledged amount have supported prices. OPEC+ has been reducing production to support the oil price for several years. The group has committed to a further 2 million bpd in cuts until 2026. (Reporting and editing by Alexandra Hudson, Olesya Almakhova, Alex Lawler Ahmad Ghaddar, Dmitry Zhdannikov)
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Gunmen kill Chinese security officials and Chinese workers in Nigeria
A spokesperson for the Nigerian security agency confirmed that gunmen kidnapped Chinese exatriate workers and killed eight officials in the southern state of Edo. The Chinese workers were rescued later, the spokesperson added. On Friday, a group suspected of being armed kidnappers attacked a convoy consisting of paramilitary Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps members and Chinese nationals who worked for BUA Cement. Afolabi Babawale, spokesperson for the NSCDC, said that four Chinese workers kidnapped by terrorists were rescued. However, one is still missing. He added that eight operatives of the agency had been killed and four others were injured seriously. Nigeria has seen a rise in gunman attacks, mainly in the north, but kidnapping groups are known to target civilians in the south.
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Edison CEO: Italy's Edison is ready to list in the event EDF goes ahead with its plan
Edison is willing to return to the Milan Stock Exchange if its parent company EDF in France decides so, said the CEO of the Italian Energy Group on Saturday. State-owned EDF, under the leadership of its new CEO Bernard Fontana has begun reviewing its assets in order to raise money to meet government requirements to stimulate investments in new reactors. Edison CEO Nicola Monti said to reporters at the annual TEHA forum: "At EDF they have a brand new management, and are reviewing their options... if that review also includes Italy, then we are prepared." Monti stated that the group already has the corporate structure in place to allow its shares to be traded publicly. EDF, for example, kept Edison's savings share listed on the Milan Stock Exchange when it took full control in 2012. The CEO confirmed that any listing of ordinary shares will also be held in Milan. He added that he was certain EDF would consider such a move, even though no advisors have yet been hired. Monti stated that Edison would need to hire its advisor if EDF decided to move forward with the project. Edison reported revenues last year of 15,4 billion euros ($18.3 billion) and core profits of 1.7 billion euro. ($1 = 0.8542 euro) (Reporting and editing by Francesca Landini)
Holiday schedule for US economic and other data
The release of major economic, energy, and commodity reports from Washington will be affected by the Juneteenth federal holiday, which falls on Thursday, 19th June.
The schedule is below. The times are in EDT/GMT.
Some Treasury announcements may be subject to change.
Monday, June 16
The U.S. Department of Agriculture releases weekly U.S. Export Inspections for Grains, Oilseeds and 1100/1500
Treasury Department's Weekly Sale of 3- and 6-Month Bills, 1130/1530
National Oilseed Processors Association releases monthly U.S. Soybean Crush, 1200/1600
Treasury Department offers 20-year Bonds, 1300/1700
USDA releases weekly Crop Progress 1600/2000
Tuesday, June 17
Commerce Department releases Retail Sales for the month of May, 830/1230
Labor Department releases Import and export prices for May, 830/1230
Redbook releases weekly retail sales index 0855/1255
Federal Open Market Committee starts two-day meeting to discuss interest rate policy. Start time TBA
Federal Reserve releases Industrial Production for May 0915/1315
Commerce Department releases Business Inventories April 1000/1400
Treasury Department announces weekly sale of 4-, 8, and 17-week Bills, 1100/1500
Treasury Department sells 6-week bills every week, 1130/1530
Treasury Department sells 5-year Treasury Inflation Protected Securities, 1300/1700
American Petroleum Institute releases weekly national petroleum reports, 1630/2030
Wednesday, June 18,
Mortgage Bankers Association releases weekly Mortgage Application Survey, 0700/1100
Commerce Department Issues Housing Starts For May, 830/1230
Labor Department releases weekly jobless claims, 0830/1230. Note: Issued one day before due to holiday
Energy Information Administration (EIA), Weekly Petroleum Stocks and Output Data, 1030/1430
Treasury Department announces weekly 3-, 6-, and 6-week bills; sales of 2-year floating-rate notes; 2- and 5-year notes; and 2-, 7-, and 10-year notes. Note: Due to the holiday, Treasury Department announces 3- and 6-month bills and 6-week bill sales one day before.
Treasury Department will hold weekly sales for 4- and 8 week bills, 17-week bill, 1130/1530. Note: Due to the holiday, 4- and 8 week bills are sold one day before.
Freddie Mac issues weekly U.S. mortgage rates, 1200/1600. Note: Rates are published one day before the holiday.
EIA releases weekly U.S. Underground Natural Gas Stocks, 1200/1600. Note: Issued one day ahead due to time change.
Federal Open Market Committee Issues Statement on Interest Rate Policy, 1400/1800
Treasury Department Issues Treasury International Capital for April 1600/2000
Thursday, June 19
Juneteenth holiday. Closed federal government offices, Federal Reserve and International Monetary Fund. Stock and bond markets.
Friday, June 20
USDA releases weekly export sales, 0830/1230. Due to the holiday, this week's export sales are delayed.
Conference Board releases Leading Indicators for the month of May, 1000/1400
USDA Cattle on Feed Monthly, 1500/1900
Federal Reserve releases Weekly Balance Sheet, 1630/2030. Note: this is a delayed release from Thursday because of the holiday.
(source: Reuters)