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Una Hajdari

Business

German co-op banks close AfD accounts, party slams ‘political’ act

Two German banks have closed the accounts of regional AfD branches, the latest in a string of companies to distance themselves from the far-right party.

Economy

Swiss watch stocks rally as Trump dangles relief from steep 39% tariff

The president’s late-Monday remarks lifted sentiment, with Switzerland’s top watch groups gaining as September exports to the US fell 55.6% year on year.

Economy

Europe in the green as Wall Street hesitates ahead of US shutdown deal

Continental indices pushed higher, helped by easing inflation and a rerating in financial markets. US futures, by contrast, edged lower as the shutdown moves from the Senate to the House.

Economy

France considers €2 fast-fashion import tax as EU drags its feet

The French parliament will debate a €2 fast-fashion import tax this week that will enter into force next year, as similar EU levy faces possible delays until 2028. The parliament could impose an additional €5 environmental levy on budget retailers down the line.

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Business

EU car production to stabilise after China eases chip export curbs

The move by China’s commerce ministry means European carmakers can now rely on resumed Nexperia chip deliveries, while boosting shares for the chipmakers' parent company, Wingtech Technology.

Business

European carmakers fear supply shocks as Nexperia halts China exports

Europe’s car industry is bracing for new supply shocks after Dutch chipmaker Nexperia halted wafer shipments from China amid management disputes, weeks after The Hague seized control of the company over security concerns.

Economy

Trade imbalance: How do the EU contenders compare to the bloc?

EU trade with the Western Balkans, Ukraine and Moldova has soared past €80bn a year, but the balance tilts heavily towards the bloc — underscoring how deep integration is not yet bringing the economies into alignment.

Economy

US borrowing expected to rival Europe’s most indebted states, says IMF

The United States is on track to record the steepest debt increase among major economies, according to the IMF — surpassing levels in Italy and Greece for the first time this century.

Economy

Can economics education help to shield democracy from populism?

By learning how societies navigated past downturns, students build empathy, critical thinking and resistance to simplistic blame games that fuel the far right and populism — according to a Council of Europe body.

Business

Jaguar Land Rover cyberattack drives UK car production to 73-year low

UK factories built 35.9% fewer vehicles in September after major manufacturer JLR was knocked offline by a cyber incident. Now the sector is accusing Westminster of unfairly taxing its own workers, putting Britain’s economy at risk.

Economy

Too costly to mint? Germany says 'nein' to silver commemorative coins

The German finance ministry has halted the release of two silver coins after a surge in metal prices made minting them uneconomical. The decision marks a cautious pause in a decades-long tradition that celebrates German culture and innovation.

Markets

Oil prices surge as US sanctions suffocate Russian oil flows

Fresh US measures against Russian energy giants are tightening the seaborne supply of oil, pushing Brent higher as traders price in risk.

Markets

Italy's UniCredit sees record profits as Commerzbank advance drags on

UniCredit shareholders prepare for a bumper payout as the bank forecasts profits of more than €10 billion this year.

Economy

David Lindberg to lead HSBC UK as bank sharpens customer focus

HSBC has named former NatWest executive David Lindberg as CEO of its UK ring-fenced bank, part of a sweeping restructuring aimed at streamlining operations and sharpening its customer focus.

Business

L’Oréal seals €4bn deal for Kering’s entire luxury beauty portfolio

In a move set to reshape the global beauty landscape, L’Oréal will take over Kering’s complete beauty portfolio, from Creed niche fragrances to Gucci makeup products.

Business

Stellantis to pour €11bn into US expansion to avoid tariff losses

The car giant says its biggest-ever US investment will increase output by 50%, add more than 5,000 jobs, and counter some tariff costs by boosting North American profitability.

Business

US charges Cambodian crypto kingpin after largest ever bitcoin seizure

Prosecutors say individuals in forced-labour camps convinced victims to funnel billions into fake investments. The state may now use the seized crypto to repay the defrauded parties.

Economy

Germany greenlights €2,000 tax-free earnings for pensioners

From 2026, Germany will keep expert retirees in the labour market by allowing them to earn up to €2,000 a month tax-free.

Economy

EU Commission slaps three major fashion brands with €157 million fine

An investigation launched in 2023 revealed that Gucci, Chloé and Loewe imposed their own pricing policies on retailers, thereby increasing product prices and reducing consumer choice. Gucci was hit the hardest, with a fine of €119 million.

Business

Netherlands invokes rare emergency law to control Chinese chipmaker

The Dutch government has taken temporary control of Chinese-owned chipmaker Nexperia under emergency legislation, citing risks to national and European security and marking one of the most forceful state interventions in Europe’s tech sector to date.

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