Germany

Energy Markets

The FT reports that the German Minister wants to expand the number of companies eligible for electric relief.

The Financial Times, citing sources familiar with the plan, reported that German Economy Minister Katherina Riese would like to expand the availability of planned measures intended to lower the electricity costs for companies. In the first half of this year, Germany’s ruling coalition consisting of conservatives and social democrats agreed to reduce electricity taxes to the European Minimum for all consumers. The Finance Ministry's 2026 framework budget, which was introduced last month, limited the relief planned to the industry, agriculture, and forestry sectors, while excluding many consumers and companies, citing financial problems. Reiche announced last month that Germany would be...








Energy Markets

Fossil Fuels

Fossil Fuels

As dealmaking increases, activist investors will push for change.

In the months to come, activist shareholders will be more determined to press for corporate change. They'll also feel more confident to launch new campaigns now that the pace of deals is picking up. Investors, bankers and lawyers predict a rise in corporate leadership disputes, operational improvements, and spin-offs during the second half 2025. They said that many global corporations would prepare for time-consuming and costly battles. However, some activist investors might be willing to compromise. Alfredo Porretti is global co-head Shareholder Engagement and M&A Capital Markets for JPMorgan Chase. He said that the activity in the second half of...

Coal

Rhine River shipping is hampered by low water levels despite rain in Germany

Commodity traders reported on Friday that low water levels following a heatwave and drought have prevented cargo vessels from being fully loaded up the Rhine in Germany, despite this week's rain. Traders said that low water levels are hampering shipping along the entire river, south of Duisburg, Cologne and the chokepoint at Kaub. In general, ships are only able sail half-full. Traders said that cargo is still delivered by multiple vessels, rather than one. The rain this week only stabilized the water level and did not result in a significant improvement. Shallow water is when vessel operators increase freight rates...

Renewable Energy

Nextwind raises $1.6 Billion for German Wind Energy Expansion

Nextwind, an European renewable energy provider said that on Tuesday it had secured debt financing of 1.4 billion euro ($1.6 billion) for the expansion a German wind energy project. This deal allows the Berlin-based company to raise an additional 1.3 billion euro in the next five year if it meets its capacity targets. The financing is the largest ever by an independent German wind energy company. According to a source familiar with the deal, Deutsche Bank, ING Bank, and LBBW participated in the financing as well as acting as underwriters. Nextwind has stated that it plans to increase the total...

Fossil Fuels

US strikes on Iran shattered hopes for nuclear diplomacy

Foreign ministers of Europe's three largest powers met their Iranian counterparts in Geneva on Friday to try to diffuse the tensions over Iran's nuclear program. These hopes were dashed Saturday, when U.S. president Donald Trump ordered airstrikes against Iran's main nuclear sites in support of Israel’s military campaign. Abbas Araqchi - Iran's Foreign Minister - told reporters in Istanbul, Sunday, that it was "inappropriate" to ask Iran to resume diplomacy. He promised a "response", to the U.S. strike. It's not the time for diplomacy. Trump warned that the U.S. would attack other Iranian targets if a peace agreement was not...

Fossil Fuels

Senior Iranian official: European proposals at Geneva are unrealistic

On Saturday, a senior Iranian official claimed that the proposals made by European powers during talks in Geneva on his country's nucleo programme were "unrealistic", and that it would be hard to reach an agreement if they stuck with them. On Friday, there were few signs that progress had been made after the E3 (Britain, France, Germany and the EU) and their Iranian counterpart met to try and prevent the conflict between Israel, Iran and the EU from escalating. The Europeans' discussions and proposals in Geneva were unrealistic. "Insisting on this position will not bring Iran or Europe closer to...

Renewable Fuels

Volvo Group and Daimler to form technology joint venture to reduce costs

AB Volvo, a European truckmaker rival, and Daimler Truck, a European truck manufacturer, hope to reduce costs and rely less on suppliers through collaborating on implementing a software defined vehicle program. Like automakers, truck and fleet manufacturers are racing to create vehicles with advanced technology while also battling the need to cut costs. Daimler-Volvo's new venture, Coretura, aims to reduce this dependence by developing a software defined vehicle platform. Daimler Trucks CEO Karin Radstrom said that the companies were looking to create a "standard industry". Radstrom stated that they are looking to see how to move away from the current...

Renewable Energy

Curve prices rise on the return of nuclear fears in France

The European electricity prices rose in the late morning of Wednesday due to concerns about possible corrosion at French reactor Civaux 2. A spokesperson for EDF has said that the EDF is not responsible for any damage caused by its employees. Inspection is underway The utility has not yet received the results of the annual maintenance at Civaux 2. Markets were reminded three years ago of the corrosion that occurred in French reactors when production fell and required imports from Germany. Prices then rose. By 0945 GMT the French baseload year-ahead was 7.6% higher at 67.6 Euros ($77.30). All contracts...

Environment

German nuclear fusion company Proxima raises development funding of 130 million Euros

Proxima Fusion is a Munich-based company that specializes in nuclear fusion technologies. It announced on Wednesday that it had raised 130 million Euros ($148.8 Million) to move it closer to its goal to develop a novel power station. Why does it matter? Around the world, dozens are exploring nuclear-fusion technology, which is a newer form of energy generation that harnesses the same intense process that powers our sun. There is fierce competition between private and public companies, governments of European countries, United States, and China and technology options such as Plasma confinement used by Proxima or lasers. The new conservative...

Fossil Fuels

Siemens Energy replaces the 11 billion euro government-backed financing facility

Siemens Energy announced on Thursday that it has replaced the 11 billion euro (12,6 billion dollars) government-backed financing facility put in place to stabilize the power equipment manufacturer in 2023. This is a crucial step in restoring its ability to pay out dividends. After major quality problems at Siemens Energy's wind turbine business, the government was forced to guarantee billions of Euros worth of projects in late 2023. Maria Ferraro, Chief Financial Officer at Siemens Energy, said that the federal government's "counter-guarantee" was crucial in 2023 to ensure our expected growth. The suspension of dividends at Siemens Energy was one...

Fossil Fuels

Europe's auto part suppliers suspend production due to China's restrictions on rare earths

As concerns grow about the impact of China's new restrictions on mineral exports, some European auto part plants have suspended production. BMW has also warned that its supply network is affected by a shortage of rare earths. China's April decision to suspend the export of rare earths, magnets, and other related products has disrupted supply chains for automakers, aerospace companies, semiconductor firms, and military contractors all over the world. China is using this move to demonstrate its dominance in the mineral industry that is key to green energy and as leverage against the U.S. president Donald Trump. China produces 90%...

Fossil Fuels

Lobby group warns that China's export restrictions on rare earths could stop German auto production.

The German auto lobby has warned that China's export bans on rare earths - used in everything from anti-lock brake sensors to windshield wiper motors - could cause production delays. This is the latest industry group which has raised the alarm about supply delays. In a recent statement, Hildegard Müller, head of the auto lobby VDA said that delays in export clearance and slow granting of licenses meant that suppliers were unable to produce essential components to keep production of cars running smoothly. This was the first time that the lobby warned of a possible production stoppage. Sources said earlier...

Oil & Gas

U.S. criticizes Russia for inflaming WW3 fears following Trump's "playing with Fire" remark

Keith Kellogg - the envoy of U.S. president Donald Trump - scolded on Wednesday, a Russian official, for inciting fears of a third world war after Trump warned that President Vladimir Putin "played with fire" regarding Ukraine. Trump warned that Russia would have suffered "REALLY BAD things" if not for Trump's post on Truth Social. What Vladimir Putin does not realize is that without me, a lot of bad things, and I do mean BAD, would have happened in Russia. Trump stated in a Truth Social posting on Tuesday that "He's playing with flames." Former president Dmitry Medvedev dismissed Trump's...

Crude Oil

Crude Oil

Dollar in a funk as Trump's deadline for tariffs looms

As the deadline for U.S. president Donald Trump to reach a trade deal looms next week, most Asian equity markets struggled and European stocks appeared set to open lower, despite Wall Street's overnight record highs. As traders weighed the implications of Trump's expected signing of a sweeping spending bill later that day, the dollar lost some of its gains from Thursday. U.S. S&P futures dipped by 0.3% after the cash index had risen overnight by 0.8% to a new closing high. Wall Street will be closed for Independence Day on Friday. The price of STOXX futures in Europe fell by...

Crude Oil

Asian stocks tumble, dollar edged down as tariff deadline focused

As President Donald Trump's trade deadline looms next week, most Asian equity markets struggled Friday, despite overnight record highs on Wall Street. As traders weighed the implications of Trump's sweeping spending bill, the dollar lost some of its gains from Thursday. Japan's Nikkei gained 0.3% at 0152 GMT, after trading in the early hours saw gains and losses. Hong Kong's Hang Seng fell 1.3% while mainland Chinese blue-chips edged lower. Taiwan's equity index lost its early gains and fell by 0.2%. South Korea's KOSPI fell more than 1%. The U.S. S&P futures index dipped by 0.2% after the cash index...

Crude Oil

Stocks hit record, US dollar strengthens after jobs data

The dollar rose after the U.S. payrolls data was stronger than expected, which indicated that the labor market might not be degrading as rapidly. The Labor Department Nonfarm payrolls increased 147,000 jobs in June, after a 144,000 increase in May that was revised upwards. This is well above the 110,000 estimates of economists polled. Markets dialed Back expectations According to LSEG, the Federal Reserve is expected to cut rates this year in response to the new data. The nearly 25% chance of a rate cut has all but disappeared, and expectations for a reduction in September are now down to...

Mining

Mineral Resources

Mineral Resources

China's Foreign Minister dismisses European concerns over rare Earths

China's Foreign Minister downplayed European concerns over rare earth exports on Thursday. He said it was standard practice to control dual use goods exports, but that Europe could meet its needs if they submitted applications. Wang Yi spoke in Berlin at a joint press conference with his German counterpart. He was on the second leg a European tour to prepare for the summit between EU leaders and Chinese leaders that will take place later this month. Wang stated that "rare earths are not a problem, have never been a problem, and will never be a issue between China, Europe, or...

Mineral Resources

Handelsblatt: German government does not hold talks about TKMS stake

Handelsblatt, citing sources in the government, reported Wednesday that the new German government has not yet entered into any discussions aimed at acquiring a share in Thyssenkrupp’s defence division TKMS. According to the report the Chancellery and the Ministries involved have agreed to not push for state involvement in this period. The German economy and defense ministries have not responded to email requests for comments. Thyssenkrupp didn't immediately respond to an email or phone call seeking comment. Handelsblatt reported that the government would instead seek to establish a "security accord" in order to protect national security and jobs despite a...

Mineral Resources

China's rare Earths are flowing freely again, but at a price

Chinese rare earth magnets are now flowing into the automotive supply chain, reducing the threat of mass closures. However, automakers and suppliers still say that production plans face uncertainty and there is a risk of shortages. Nils Poel is the head of market affairs for supplier association CLEPA. He said that European suppliers received enough licenses to prevent widespread disruptions earlier this month. However, hundreds of permits are still pending. He said that the rate of issuance has "accelerated" from 25% to 60%, but in cases where end users are located in the United States or products are transported through...

Mineral Resources

Siemens Gamesa, Chinese magnet suppliers discuss European production, COO says

Siemens Gamesa, a wind turbine manufacturer, is in discussions with Chinese suppliers about bringing production in Europe. This would reduce the region's dependence on imports following China's restrictions on supply. The delays in the issuance of Chinese export permits for rare earths have forced European automakers and their suppliers into a scramble to find alternatives on a market dominated by China, the world's second largest economy. The production of rare earths across Europe could be affected by the No. 2 economy in the world. Wind sector is also dependent on rare earths produced in China. Most notably, neodymium which is...

Mineral Resources

Tesla's European Sales Slump for Fifth Month

Tesla's European new car sales fell by 27.9% from a year ago in May, even though sales of fully-electric vehicles in the region jumped by 27.2%. The revised Model Y has yet to show any signs of reviving Tesla's fortunes. The European Automobile Manufacturers Association's (ACEA) data showed that overall car sales in Europe increased by 1.9%. Plug-in hybrids grew the most, followed by cars using alternative fuels. Why it's important Tesla's European Sales have fallen for the fifth consecutive month as customers opt for cheaper Chinese EVs, and in some cases protest against Elon Musk. Tesla's European Market Share...

Mineral Resources

Germany's Merz says EU's approach to US Trade Talks is 'far too complex'

The German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called the European Union’s approach to the trade negotiations with the United States “far too complex”, saying that the bloc should focus instead on reaching agreements for only a few major sectors. Merz stated during an event organized by the BDI Industrial lobby that "the Americans are relatively simple minded and geared toward reaching an agreement with me on four or five main industries." He said that the European Commission (the executive body that negotiates trade agreements for the 27-nation block) should focus on chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and machinery. President Donald Trump announced a wide range...

Mineral Resources

ArcelorMittal abandons plans to produce green steel in Germany because of high energy costs

ArcelorMittal said that the energy costs in Germany were too high to allow it to convert its two German plants to carbon-neutral production. The German industrial sector is still suffering from the shock of losing the Russian gas which had been powering its factories for decades. This decision also calls into question the green hydrogen policy launched by the former government. The government hoped that the subsidies would encourage ArcelorMittal's existing plants in Bremen, in the north, and Eisenhuettenstadt, in the east, to use furnaces fueled with hydrogen. Hydrogen can be produced from renewable electricity. The steelmaker stated that it...

Mineral Resources

ArcelorMittal abandons plans to produce green steel in Germany because of high energy costs

ArcelorMittal said that the energy costs in Germany were too high to allow it to convert its two German plants to carbon-neutral production. The German industrial sector is still suffering from the shock of losing the Russian gas which had been powering its factories for decades. This decision also calls into question the green hydrogen policy launched by the former government. The government hoped that the subsidies would encourage ArcelorMittal's existing plants in Bremen, in the north, and Eisenhuettenstadt, in the east, to convert to furnaces that are fired by hydrogen. Hydrogen can be produced from renewable electricity. The steelmaker...

Mineral Resources

G7 leaders gather in Canada to avoid Trump clash

The Group of Seven Leaders will gather in the Canadian Rockies on Sunday, amid a growing divide with the United States regarding foreign policy and commerce. Canada is trying to avoid clashes between President Trump and the host country. The conflicts in the Middle East, Ukraine and U.S. Tariffs are likely to be prominently discussed. Israel, an ally of the United States, launched a barrage on Iran's borders on Thursday. This was a blow for Trump's diplomatic efforts in preventing such an attack. The summit will be held in Kananaskis Mountain Resort, about 90 km (56 mi) west of Calgary....

Mineral Resources

Source: Thyssenkrupp CEO Lopez will get contract extension.

A person with knowledge of the matter has said that the contract of Thyssenkrupp's CEO Miguel Lopez who was appointed two years ago will be extended by the supervisory board next week. Lopez, who assumed the role of CEO on June 1, 2023 has overseen two significant steps in the transformation of the company: the listing of Thyssenkrupp’s hydrogen unit and the sale of 20% of its steel business by Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky. Thyssenkrupp, under his leadership also accelerated its efforts to spin-off its defence division TKMS. The company unveiled plans for a holding model that would allow all...

Mineral Resources

Burkina Faso has completed the nationalisation of five gold mines

According to a late-released decree, Burkina Faso completed the transfer of gold mining assets from the state-owned miner to the country. This finalised a process which began in August, to increase its control over mineral resources. Burkina Faso, like its neighbours Mali & Niger, is trying to gain a greater share of their resources following the revision of its mining code in 2013. The Societe de Participation Miniere du Burkina, or SOPAMIB, was established to manage and own strategic mining assets. The five assets that were transferred to the government include two gold mines and exploration licenses owned by subsidiaries...

Mineral Resources

German engineering group urges EU to exert pressure on China regarding rare earths

VDMA, an industry association in Germany, warned that the supply of rare earths is becoming increasingly difficult for German equipment and plant manufacturers. It called on the European Union (EU) to exert more pressure on China. VDMA President Bertram Kawlath said to journalists that "we are already seeing rare earths no longer reaching our members." China, which controls 90% of the global processing capacity for rare Earths, used in everything from cars and fighter jets, to home appliances and other products, imposed export restrictions in early April, requiring exporters obtain licenses from Beijing. The new restrictions came after President Donald...