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Energy Markets

Fossil Fuels

Oil & Gas

Stellantis introduces a lighter and faster-charging EV Battery

Stellantis revealed a prototype electric vehicle on Friday, featuring a lighter, faster charging and more affordable battery. This eliminates the requirement for an inverter or charger. IBIS, the Intelligent Battery Integrated System (Intelligent Battery Integrated System), was developed by TotalEnergies subsidiary Saft in partnership. Stellantis stated that it is the first system of its kind, and offers weight and space saving and is easier for service. The new system has a 10% higher efficiency than an electric vehicle with the same size battery, and it reduces charging times by one hour. The public has been unable to accept EVs because...

Fossil Fuels

Exxon suspends European plastic recycling plans due to draft EU regulations

ExxonMobil has halted 100 million euros (118.4 millions) in investment in European Plastic Recycling due to draft EU rules that define the recycled content of a final product. Two projects are being developed by the U.S. energy company to recycle chemicals at its existing plants in Rotterdam, and Antwerp. The project will process 80,000 tons of plastic waste annually. In an interview, Jack Williams, Senior Vice-President of ExxonMobil, said that the two projects were now halted due to the EU draft rules which he claimed discriminated against existing petrochemicals facilities versus standalone installations. "Everything is going according to plan." He...

Oil & Gas Equipment

French and Benelux stocks: Factors to watch

Here are some company news and stories that could impact the markets in France and Benelux or even individual stocks. EURONEXT Euronext, the pan-European stock exchange operator, announced on Thursday that it would be added to France's CAC 40 blue-chip index. Euronext announced that Teleperformance, a French call centre and office services company, will be excluded from the CAC 40 index. The SBF 120 index, which measures the most traded stocks, will now include Abivax and Exail Technologies, instead of Esso and OVH. The changes will take effect on September 22. ROBERTET The French fragrance group announced half-year revenue of...

Fossil Fuels

Stellantis has paid US fuel efficiency penalties of $190.6 Million this year.

According to a report by the Italian-American automaker and the government, Chrysler's parent Stellantis was fined $190.6 Million for failing to meet U.S. fuel efficiency requirements. In an annual report, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration stated that Stellantis had paid $112.3 in June and $78,3 in March as payments for shortfalls in 2019 and 2020 models. Stellantis paid a total of $773.5 Million since 2018. NHTSA informed automakers last month that they would not be fined for failing to meet fuel-efficiency rules going back to 2022, as per a law signed into law by President Donald Trump. Stellantis confirmed...

Fossil Fuels

Battery technologies that compete with RPTs shape the EV Industry

Startups around the world are racing to create new battery technologies that use materials such as sodium and sulfur, or other innovative chemistries. They aim to reduce costs and reduce dependence on certain minerals for electric vehicles (EVs). China controls 90% of raw material processing for two of the most popular lithium-ion variants in today's electric vehicle market. The battery technology is constantly evolving, but its basic principles remain unchanged. It has three components: a cathode anode, and an electrolyte. Here are some of the battery types that are currently being used or developed by car manufacturers as they weigh...

Fossil Fuels

The EV industry is shaped by the competition between battery technologies

Startups around the world are racing to create new battery technologies that use materials such as sodium and sulfur, or other innovative chemistries. They aim to reduce costs and reduce dependence on certain minerals for electric vehicles (EVs). China controls 90% of raw material processing for two of the most popular lithium-ion EV variants. The battery technology is constantly evolving, but its basic principles remain unchanged. It has three components: a cathode anode, and an electrolyte. Here are some of the battery types that are currently being used or developed by carmakers as they consider long-term solutions. Use in batteries...

Fossil Fuels

French and Benelux stocks: Factors to watch

Here are some company news and stories that could impact the markets in France and Benelux or even individual stocks. DRONEVOLT: Drone Volt, a drone-maker, entered into a strategic partnership that will see the two parties deploy drone inspections on several sites both in France and abroad. EVS: Belgian broadcast equipment manufacturer EVS has announced the acquisition of Telemetrics, a U.S. based company. The move is part of an effort to increase its global reach. The Belgian company also maintained its guidance for annual revenue and EBIT after delivering revenues of almost 92 million euro ($107.25 millions) in the first...

Fossil Fuels

Merz: Berlin is still interested in TenneT German business

The German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated on Monday that the government has not yet decided if it will take a stake of the German division owned by the Dutch state-owned power grid operator TenneT. He also said the Netherlands and Germany were still in discussions. The Netherlands announced last month that it would decide in September if it wanted to sell a minority stake in TenneT Germany, or pursue a partially IPO. This could be Europe's largest deal in 2025. After a failed partial sale of TenneT Germany to the German state lender KfW in June last year, the Dutch...

Fossil Fuels

Nikkei falls on ASML warning after Japan's chip shares are sold off

The Nikkei 225 index in Japan fell on Thursday as a result of a decline in shares related to chip-making tools after Dutch supplier ASML issued a warning about revenue. As of 0214 GMT the tech-heavy Nikkei index was down 0.3% to 39,544.62. The two largest drags on the index were chip-sector giants Tokyo Electron (down 0.3%) and Advantest (down 0.3%). Topix as a whole, on the other hand, only managed a 0.1% increase. Seven & i Holdings was the Nikkei’s largest decliner, in terms of percentage. It fell 7.8% when Alimentation Couche-Tard (Canada) ended its bid to take over...

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

Dutch car-sharing firm adds Renault electric vehicles capable of powering the local grid

This week, MyWheels, a Dutch car-sharing company will add the first 500 Renault EVs that are grid-connected to its fleet. The technology is gaining traction in Europe and the number of cars capable of strengthening power grids has increased. The Vehicle-to Grid technology (V2G) allows electric cars to store energy and deliver it to the grid during times of high demand. It has been around for several years, but it was only recently that the technology became commercially viable. This was due to smart charging and batteries capable of sustaining intensive use. MyWheels' roll-out will be the biggest V2G car...

Fossil Fuels

Britain sells off last NatWest shares after crisis-era bailout

After a 60.59 billion pound ($45 billion) state-funded investment at the height the financial crisis in 2008, NatWest is now fully private. This ends a costly taxpayer-funded investment which reshaped both the lender and the industry. The British government has sold the remaining 1% of its bank shares, according to an announcement by the Treasury on Friday. It had previously sold small blocks over recent years. It held up to 38% as recently as December 20,23. In a press release, Finance Minister Rachel Reeves stated that "nearly 20 years ago, the government intervened to protect millions and businesses from the...

Environment

Climate Change

Dutch fund PFZW cuts ties with BlackRock over conflict on sustainability

PGGM, the lead asset manager for Dutch pension fund PFZW, said that BlackRock's stock funds were no longer being invested in by the Dutch pension fund. This was due to concerns about BlackRock's voting record in sustainability issues. This move is part of a larger activist campaign in The Netherlands, which aims to get the large pension schemes of the country to fire managers who have shown a reduced level support for climate-change resolutions during company meetings. While some companies have reduced the importance of sustainability following the reelection of U.S. president Donald Trump, the largest Dutch pension funds continue...

Climate Change

Dutch pension fund PFZW terminates partnership with BlackRock due to conflict over sustainability

The Dutch pension fund PFZW announced on Wednesday that it had ended its relationship BlackRock, a wealth manager. This was part of a revamping of its portfolio to prioritise sustainable investments. The Netherlands' second largest pension fund selected 756 companies for investment and sold its stakes of over 2,600 companies in the last few months. Ellen Habermehl, spokesperson for PFZW, said: "In the next five-year period, we will strive to achieve a balance between our desire for good returns and acceptable risks, as well as sustainability." BlackRock was not selected. BlackRock's Dutch Office did not respond immediately to a comment...

Environment

Aegon launches new Climate Transition Fund

Aegon, a Dutch financial services firm, launched on Wednesday its Aegon Climate Investment Grade Transition Fund. The fund is intended to help investors make the transition to low-carbon economies while also delivering a good return. Why it's Important: The launch of Aegon's new fund comes two months after Europe eased state aid rules to boost environmentally-friendly projects and cut carbon footprints. Green Climate Fund, the largest multilateral climate fund in the world, announced last month that it would invest more and accelerate the dealmaking process to help the poorest nations cope with global warming. By the Numbers: The Aegon Climate...

Mining

Mineral Resources

Mineral Resources

Embraer CEO: 100 commercial aircraft deliveries expected per year by 2028

Embraer's CEO said that the Brazilian planemaker expects to achieve 100 commercial aircraft deliveries annually in 2028. He added that supply chain problems will likely prevent Embraer from reaching that milestone sooner. As part of its recovery after the industry crisis caused by the pandemic, the world's third largest planemaker increased annual deliveries. It expects between 77-85 commercial jet deliveries in 2019, up from 73 last year. Embraer's CEO Francisco Gomes Neto warned that supply-chain snags could limit Embraer's production plans. The company last delivered 100 commercial jets annually in 2017. In an interview with a newspaper on Wednesday, he...

Mineral Resources

Trump's Trade War: Major Developments

The tariffs imposed by Donald Trump since his inauguration on January 20, 2017 have sent shockwaves through financial markets, and uncertainty has spread throughout the global economy. This timeline shows the major events: Trump imposes tariffs of 25% on Mexican imports, 10% on Chinese goods and most Canadian imports. He demands that they reduce the flow of illegal immigrants and fentanyl into the U.S. Trump accepts a 30-day suspension of his threat to raise tariffs on Mexico and Canada, in exchange for concessions made on border security and criminal enforcement. The U.S. doesn't reach a similar deal with China. Trump...

Mineral Resources

French and Benelux stocks: Factors to watch

Here are some company news and stories that could impact the markets in France and Benelux or even individual stocks. Airbus Airbus, the European planemaker, posted a second-quarter profit that was higher than expected, thanks to its helicopter and defence units. It also maintained its full-year predictions as it strives to catch up with delayed jetliner delivery. BIC French stationery BIC reported Q2 revenues of 598 millions euros, and is expecting a full-year growth of 0-3%. The company's H1 adjusted EBIT for 2025 was 147 millions euros with a 13.7% margin. BIC's adjusted EBIT margin is expected to be 15.0%...

Mineral Resources

Ford shares fall 4% following the bell as it raises its projected tariff impact.

Ford Motors said that U.S. Tariffs on Imported Vehicles, as well As Materials Like Steel and Aluminum, Will Cost More Than Expected For The Year. Ford's Shares Slid About 4% In After-Market Trading. Ford said that its second-quarter earnings were hit by tariffs to the tune of $800 million. This was a smaller impact than other U.S. competitors due to Ford's strong manufacturing base in the United States. Ford increased the upper range of its projected impact on gross revenues due to tariffs for the entire year by $500 million to $3 billion. Sherry house, Ford's Chief Financial Officer, said...

Mineral Resources

Investments, jobs and exports are the main benefits of the UK-India trade agreement

On Thursday, during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the UK, Britain and India signed an historic free trade agreement. The deal will reduce tariffs on products from textiles to cars and whisky. It will also allow businesses to have more access to markets. The following are the main points of the Agreement: Tariff Cuts India will reduce tariffs on almost 90% of UK products. Whisky and Gin levy will fall from 150% down to 75% then 40% within a decade. Tariffs on automobiles will fall from 100% plus to 10% under the quota. Other goods, such as...

Mineral Resources

Businesses deliver gloomy results even as markets celebrate Japan trade deal

The trade war between the United States and Japan, which has impacted businesses from chip makers to steel producers, caused a downturn in results. However, Japan's agreement lifted stocks as well as hopes that Europe could reach a similar deal. Investors cheered the news of a new trade agreement between Japan and the United States, which will lower tariffs on auto imports while sparing Tokyo from new taxes on other goods. This news sparked hopes of a deal being reached with the European Union before the Trump administration's August 1 deadline. Results from Texas Instruments, SSAB, and other steelmakers showed...

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

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

Tesla's European Sales Drop for Fifth Month as EV Rivals Gain

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 grew 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 and alternative fuel cars saw the biggest growth. 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 dropped...

Mineral Resources

How Trump's metals tariffs affect the packaging on shelves

Andy Russick sells cans of fruit and tomatoes to major U.S. supermarkets, such as Kroger, and hospitals and schools. He shares the stated goal behind U.S. president Donald Trump's war on trade - combating cheap Chinese imports. When U.S. tariffs were doubled on steel and aluminum imports to 50%, on June 4, Andy Russick's company, Pacific Coast Producers, was collateral damage. Since 2017, Chinese fruit cocktail, vegetables, and other canned food imports from Southeast Asia and Europe are flooding U.S. grocery shelves, undercutting comparable products made in the United States. Russick stated that this trend will accelerate due to the...

Mineral Resources

French and Benelux stocks: Factors to watch

Here are some company news and stories that could impact the markets in France and Benelux or even individual stocks. ArcelorMittal ArcelorMittal, a German steelmaker, has dropped plans to convert its two plants to carbon-neutral production due to the high energy targets set by Germany. Eutelsat After a capital increase of 1.35 billion euros, the French state will be Eutelsat's largest shareholder. The aim is to make it more competitive with Elon Musk and Starlink. LightOn LightOn has been selected by Ariane Group’s Sodern on Thursday to industrialise AI generative within a safe framework. PostNL Dutch parcel delivery company PostNL...

Mineral Resources

Argentex, a UK-based company, rejects Lavide’s investment proposal

Argentex announced on Monday that it had rejected a proposal by Lavide Holding NV, based in the Netherlands, to acquire a 50% stake of the British currency risk management company for 2.5 million pounds (3.39 million dollars) and a possible provision of a credit line up to 15 million pounds. The British company refused the proposal because it did not cover the entire share capital or provide sufficient funding compared with an agreement made with IFX Payments. According to LSEG, Lavide has a current market capitalisation worth 3 million euros. Argentex experienced a near-total collapse of value after it halted...