Germany

German semiconductor materials provider Siltronic reported lower-than expected quarterly sales on Tuesday, as the company continued to be affected by an?uncertain market environment. According to a LSEG poll, the average analyst's forecast was 317 million euro. The German company's EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization) was?65.1 million euros compared to 78.3 millions euros last year. This is below analysts' expectations of 67.4million euros. It is encouraging that the growth of AI-driven end market has continued to strengthen. But capacity constraints at our customers, particularly in the memory-chip sector, and persistently high inventories for 200 mm products are dampening...

Contemporary?Amperex Tech Co (CATL), the world's biggest EV battery manufacturer, launched a $5 billion share sale on Monday in Hong Kong. The company is looking to capitalize on its shares which are nearing record highs. According to a termsheet seen by, CATL will be?offering HK$628.20 - HK$651.80 for new H shares, a discount ranging from 3.5% - 7.0% on Monday's closing price HK$675.50. The fundraising is part of CATL's efforts to lock in capital as its share price continues to rise. It also faces an EV market in China that is fiercely competitive and where it has been difficult for...

On Friday, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that the European Union could ease sanctions against Tehran as part a comprehensive deal that would end the war in Iran. However, other EU leaders struck a more cautious tone. In response to Iran's human rights violations, its nuclear activities, and its military support of Russia, the 27-nation EU imposed sanctions against Iran over the past few years. These included travel bans, asset freezes, and travel restrictions for senior officials. U.S. officials suggest that a comprehensive agreement?covering Iran’s nuclear and missile programs and the reopening of Strait of Hormuz, could bring about a...

Next week, investors will be focusing on three major issues: the war in Iran and the interest rate path. Five of the "Magnificent Seven" U.S. technology giants are reporting their earnings. Four of the top central banks in the world meet to discuss how long they will be able to'realistically' look past the rise in energy prices caused by the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz. Marc Jones, Dhara Ranasinghe and Lewis Krauskopf in New York will give you all the information about this week's financial markets. Rae Wee is in Singapore. 1/CORRIDOR POWER The next week will be dominated...

The German lower house of Parliament approved on Friday a relief bonus of up to 1000 euros ($1,169.30). This was part of a package to'soften the impact of the high gas prices caused by the Iran War. The AfD, the Left Party and the Greens abstained. Companies can pay an 'unique bonus' to their employees under the plan until June 30th 2027. Payments?will be deductible by employers and tax-free for workers. The bonus is voluntary, which creates uncertainty about how many companies are going to participate in the weak economy. Coalition estimates that the measure will result in a loss...

The World Bank announced a new strategy on Friday that focuses on jobs to help small island states, and other small countries address challenges like remoteness, shock exposure and a limited economic base. World Bank President Ajay Banga spoke about the initiative in a closed door meeting of 50 ministers and governors of central banks from small countries, held during the spring meetings for the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank. He explained that the idea was to use different tools to help smaller states attract more investment, implement policy and regulatory changes to make it easier to run...

French Finance Minister Roland Lescure announced on Thursday that the Group of Seven finance and central bank chiefs had agreed to be ready to "act" to reduce economic and inflation risk caused by Middle 'East war energy price and supply fluctuations. Lescure told reporters at the International Monetary Fund's and World Bank's spring meetings that the outcome of the global economy depends on the speed with which the conflict is resolved. The International Energy Agency, with the support of the G7, released last month a record-breaking amount of oil from its strategic reserves in order to counter the cuts of...

The Italian Treasury confirmed an earlier report that Lorenzo Mariani would be the new Chief Executive Officer of Leonardo Defence Group, replacing Roberto Cingolani. Rome, as expected, also proposed the reappointment of Claudio Descalzi at Eni's helm and Flavio Cataneo, Enel's, to their respective energy groups. Cingolani did not win a second term, despite a rise in sales and orders at the state-controlled group since he became its leader in 2023. He also secured a number partnerships with European competitors. Leonardo's shares, which had more than quadrupled in value under Cingolani, dropped this week amid reports of his possible removal,...

Investors are putting together a "Trump trade' playbook to?navigate market uncertainty. This includes determining whether a U.S. - Iran ceasefire will last and whether oil prices will remain high for longer. As geopolitics continue to dominate the economy, it is difficult to move money based on long-term perspectives. During the Iran War, many?investors have placed shorter-term bets instead on assets which may have been?mispriced?. Here is a list of some new Trump trades. 1/OIL PRICE WILL STAY HIGHER FOR A LONGER TIME Oil prices fell almost 15% to $100 per barrel in the wake of the ceasefire on Wednesday, but...

German Economy Minister Katherina Riese stated on Friday that she could see both sides of the United States' decision to issue a 30-day waiver for purchases of Russian oil products. Reiche said at a press conference that he felt the domestic political pressure was very high in the United States. She stated that she is concerned with filling the war coffers of Russian President Vladimir Putin, but that the situation in South Korea, and Japan, are tense. "We have thankfully been spared these shortages," said?Reiche. She said that attacks on ships in Strait of Hormuz continue, and the International Energy...

The German fashion group Hugo Boss announced a better-than expected annual operating profit on Tuesday, despite a difficult market environment. It also said that it has not yet felt the impact of the Middle East conflict. The company's earnings before interest and tax (EBIT), which were 391 million euro ($455million) in 2025, are up from 361 millions euros a year ago, and well above the average analyst forecast of 379million euros, according to a poll conducted by the company. Early trading saw a 4% rise in shares of the company. The stock has risen 1.3% from the beginning of the...

During a 'online meeting' with the Group of Seven Finance Ministers, Satsuki Katayama, Japanese Finance minister told a press briefing that IEA called for a coordinated release?of emergency?oil reserve during a?online meeting on Monday. Katayama stated that the IEA had asked each country to release oil reserves in a coordinated manner. "In response to current conditions... the G7 has agreed to closely monitor developments on the energy?market, and to take the necessary measures to support the global energy supply. This includes releasing oil reserves." Katayama stated that the IEA and the Ministers were joined by executives from the World Bank,...

Analysts estimate that Thyssenkrupp's share of the proceeds from Kone's proposed purchase of liftmaker TK Elevator is nearly two thirds of its current market capitalisation. According to Jefferies and JPMorgan estimates, the windfall for the German company if the deal is completed could be as high as 3.4 billion euro ($4 billion). This would be a huge financial boost to the German firm that's undergoing a major restructuring in order to become a holding corporation. Thyssenkrupp's shares, which were up 7.5% by 1437 GMT, didn't comment on the financial implications of the deal. They only said they were reviewing the...

Analysts estimate that Thyssenkrupp will benefit from Kone's $34.4 billion acquisition of liftmaker TK Elevator. According to Jefferies' and JPMorgan's estimates, the windfall would be as high as $4 billion. This is a huge financial boost for the German business that is undergoing a major restructuring in order to become a holding. Thyssenkrupp's shares, which were up 7.5% by 1409 GMT, didn't comment on the financial implications of the deal. They only said they were examining "the proposal" under which Kone could become a world leader in lift manufacturing. The?company stated in December that the book value of its 16.2%...

Bloomberg News cited people with knowledge of the situation as saying that Kone is close to a cash and stock deal for the purchase of TK Elevator. This would value the company at approximately 29?billion euro ($33.97billion), including 'debt. Reports indicate that the Finnish company has been putting the finishing touches on a contract with TK Elevator owners Advent and Cinven. An announcement is expected to be made as soon as Wednesday. The merger would make Schindler the second largest lift manufacturer in the world, surpassing OTIS. This would be one of the biggest deals in Europe this year, and...

Analysts say that after a half dozen flat earnings seasons in the European Union, steelmakers are poised for a recovery. The first quarter of 2026 may be an inflection-point. Steel prices increased faster than anticipated in recent months, despite the fact that demand has not?recovered?to 2022 levels. This is due to rising energy prices and a decrease in imports outside of the EU as a result of the EU's newly implemented safeguards. The price of hot-rolled coils in Europe has increased by around 20% over the last six months. Oddo BHF analyst Maxime Kogge said that, excluding demand, the planets...

Metalshub, a digital platform funded in part by the EU, and an agency that is partially funded by the EU are working on establishing regional critical mineral prices separate from those of dominant producer China to allow the financing of new projects. The European Union, United States, and other Western countries strive to set their own benchmark prices of critical minerals in order to reduce their dependency on China. China accounts for 90% of the global production of rare earths processed, which are vital for electronics, clean energy and defence. Bernd Schaefer said that "Europe lacks a deep, transparent, and...

Sabanci Holding, a Turkish conglomerate, announced that it would sell the remaining shares of cement maker Akcansa Cimento and exit retailer CarrefourSA. Analysts say the conglomerate is looking to streamline operations by selling assets with low margins of profit. According to a Monday filing, Heidelberg Materials purchased Sabanci's 39.72% share in Akcansa. The deal valued the company at $1.1billion on an enterprise-value basis. The transaction value wasn't disclosed. The deal will see Heidelberg Materials double its stake in?Akcansa from 69.44% to 79.44%. Akcansa has three cement plants and 26 ready-mixed?plants. It also operates five aggregate quarries, and five terminals for...

In the first quarter of 2026 sales of electric cars jumped almost a third on the main European auto markets, as consumers sought alternatives to combustion engines after the war in Iran caused the highest spike in petrol prices for years. Data collected by the trade association E-Mobility Europe, and research firm, New Automotive, on Monday showed that new battery-electric vehicle registrations (BEVs), a proxy of sales, increased 29.4% in comparison to a year earlier, reaching almost 560,000 during the first quarter. They were also up 51.3% in March, with over 240,000 vehicles registered in 15 European markets. The ACEA...

European shares were little changed on Monday, ahead of a local inflation report. Investors also continued to watch the Middle East conflict that has impacted global markets. As of 0809 GMT, the pan-European STOXX 600 index was flat at 574.98. Defense sector was the worst hit with a 0.8% drop. The focus is on Germany's CPI data and HICP numbers due later in the day, to gauge the effect of the war on Europe’s largest economy. The Middle East conflict has pushed oil prices higher, causing inflation fears. This is pushing Europe's STOXX600 toward its steepest drop since March 2020....

The head of Schindler, a Swiss?lift manufacturer, said on?Tuesday that the company will contest any?merger between rivals Kone Elevator and TK Elevator in front of antitrust authorities. Bloomberg News reported last 'week that Finland's Kone is in talks to purchase TK Elevator. The merger would make Schindler the second largest lift manufacturer in the world, surpassing the current leader OTIS. Schindler CEO Paolo Compagna stated that the deal would be "a bloodbath", bound to disrupt the lift industry as the world's third and fourth largest lift manufacturers would have to integrate overlapping customer bases and production sites, and teams. Compagna...

Four people with knowledge of the matter have said that discussions of a possible Thyssenkrupp steel unit sale to Jindal Steel International may be called off because of differences regarding pension liabilities, investments, and 'energy costs. Despite the fact that talks are still ongoing over a possible sale of?Thyssenkrupp Europe (TKSE), and an agreement could still be reached, a deal now seems less likely to happen after almost six months' worth of due diligence and discussion, according to these people. One person said that the companies could decide to stop official negotiations as early as next month. Following the report,...

Four?people with knowledge of the matter have said that discussions about a possible sale of Thyssenkrupp Steel Europe to Jindal Steel International may be called off because of differences regarding pension liabilities, energy costs and investments. Despite the fact that?talks are still ongoing over a possible sale of 'Thyssenkrupp - Steel Europe (TKSE), and an agreement could still be reached, a deal now seems less likely. One person said that the companies may decide to stop official negotiations as early as next month. Thyssenkrupp tried to sell TKSE'several times over the last decades. If TKSE is not sold, it would...

Four people with knowledge of the matter said that discussions of a potential sale of Thyssenkrupp Steel Europe (TKSE) to Jindal Steel International may be cancelled due?to disagreements over pension liabilities and investments, as well as energy costs. The people say that while discussions over a possible sale of Thyssenkrupp Steel Europe are ongoing and could still lead to an agreement, a?deal is less likely now after nearly six months' worth of due diligence. One person said that the companies may decide to stop official negotiations as early as next month. Thyssenkrupp tried to sell TKSE a number of times...