English

Eleanor Butler

Economy

French finance minister Lombard outlines deficit target for new year

The target allows for more flexibility than the goal set by the previous government, said Éric Lombard.

Markets

New year, new habits? A guide to investing that covers the basics

As we say goodbye to 2024, you may be making resolutions for the new year. If improving your finances is on the agenda, investing could be a good place to start.

Economy

Resisting retirement? Why some people want to keep working

Efforts to raise pension ages have faced political backlash in Europe, despite economic arguments in their favour. One key question for governments: Why would people choose to work for longer?

Economy

Banking mergers are hot - but cross-border deals still face hurdles

High interest rates have allowed banks to build cash reserves for takeovers, although national concerns could be hindering pan-European deals.

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Economy

French central bank lowers 2025 growth forecast after tumultuous year

France's fraught political landscape and a gridlocked budget continue to spook economists and investors.

Business

Canal+ shares drop on London trading debut after split from Vivendi

An initial decline was to be expected, said analysts, as certain investment funds were restricted to French-listed stocks.

Business

Billionaire Křetínský's Royal Mail takeover bid gets stamp of approval

Parent company IDS agreed to the takeover in May, although both sides have been awaiting UK government approval.

Economy

Germany's Bundesbank warns of economic stagnation as trade war looms

The fortune of the eurozone’s largest economy is gloomy, especially with President-elect Donald Trump returning to the White House.

Economy

UK economy unexpectedly shrinks in October for second straight month

The figures come as a setback for the new Labour government and its pro-growth agenda.

Economy

Squeezed out of the market: Why is renting hard in the Netherlands?

The Dutch government is rolling out a law to cap excessively high rental costs. Economists are divided on the subject.

Business

Top London store Harrods adds cover charge as Christmas strikes loom

Harrods said it introduced the fee to keep menu prices competitive and maintain a high level of service.

Business

France's EDF raises nuclear production targets after corrosion crisis

This is the second time this year the energy company has raised its output expectations.

Business

Germany’s Zalando to acquire rival fashion retailer About You

Zalando says the deal will help it to build a pan-European e-commerce platform.

Business

Shares jump in Italy's Banco BPM after Credit Agricole raises stake

The move from Crédit Agricole could complicate UniCredit's bid to take over the smaller Italian lender.

Business

German garden centres celebrate after Christmas-themed legal win

The legal battle over baubles and fir branches dates back several years - and is linked to German employment laws.

Business

France's Canal+ cancels terrestrial TV offerings ahead of London IPO

Canal+ partially blamed the withdrawal of its C8 channel for the decision, which came after France's broadcast regulator pulled its licence.

Business

UK insurers Aviva and Direct Line agree on sweetened takeover bid

The UK insurance firm Aviva has improved on an earlier deal rejected by its smaller competitor Direct Line.

Business

French bank previously owned by HSBC plans to slash 1400 posts

CCF, formerly HSBC France, is planning to cut 36% of its workforce and close a third of its branches.

Economy

World Bank: Developing countries spend record amount on foreign debt

Poorer economies are limiting investments in health, education, and the climate to avoid default and repay foreign lenders.

Business

Sanofi announces its largest China investment amid ongoing trade war

The French pharma firm is seeking to increase insulin production in Beijing as trade tensions between the EU and China simmer on.

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