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Quirino Mealha

Business

Anthropic's fast ascent: The strategy behind an $800 billion valuation

The AI firm Anthropic has emerged as a dominant force in the global technology sector, attracting investor interest that values the company at approximately $800 billion (€678.3bn), but what is behind the success?

Economy

Oil prices drop over 10% after Iran declares Strait of Hormuz 'open'

Oil prices have dropped over 10% in less than two hours after the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iran declared the Strait of Hormuz "completely open" for the remainder of the current ceasefire with the US.

Markets

London metals index at record high amid aluminium supply squeeze fear

The London Metal Exchange’s benchmark has climbed to a fresh record as aluminium prices surge on fears of a severe and lasting shortfall in global supply following disruptions in the Middle East.

Markets

S&P 500 and Nasdaq hit new all-time highs despite Iran war effects

The S&P 500 and the Nasdaq closed at record highs on Wednesday despite the Iran war dragging on, the Strait of Hormuz remaining largely blocked and global economic growth forecasts being cut amid rising inflation.

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Markets

Footwear firm Allbirds trades shoes for AI and shares rise over 550%

In a radical strategic overhaul, Allbirds is divesting its footwear business while securing $50 million (€42.4 million) in new financing to acquire GPUs and rebrand as NewBird AI.

Business

AI expansion drives up profits for Dutch semiconductor giant ASML

ASML, the Dutch semiconductor giant, has posted a rise in net profits to €2.76 billion for the first quarter of 2026 representing a 15% increase compared to the same quarter in the previous year.

Economy

IMF drops Eurozone's economic growth forecast to 1.1% from 1.4%

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has adjusted its growth projection for the eurozone down to 1.1% from 1.4% for 2026 as prospects for the euro area dwindle amid higher inflation and reduced momentum.

Economy

IEA warns of historic oil supply shock as Iran war disruption persists

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has warned of an unprecedented energy shock, with global oil production plunging by over 10 million barrels per day in March, as diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran fail.

Business

Luxury giant LVMH faces headwinds as quarterly sales growth slows

LVMH has reported a modest 1% increase in organic revenue for the first quarter of 2026, falling short of market expectations.

Business

Goldman Sachs posts best quarterly profit in five years with 18% jump

Goldman Sachs reported strong first-quarter results, the best in five years, with quarterly profit rising 18% to $5.4 billion (€4.6bn), as the bank highlighted increased volatility due to geopolitical tensions.

Markets

Hungarian stocks hit record high after a landslide opposition victory

Hungary’s main stock index (BUX) surged on Monday as investors welcomed the prospect of far-reaching reforms following Péter Magyar’s decisive win in the country’s parliamentary election.

Economy

US inflation surges to 3.3% as Iran war fuels energy price shock

US consumer prices rose sharply in March, with headline inflation climbing to 3.3% year-on-year as energy costs spiked in the wake of the Iran war, official data showed on Friday.

Economy

Could billions in frozen Iranian assets help the US unlock a deal?

Ahead of US-Iran negotiations in Islamabad on Friday, a top demand from Tehran will likely be the unlocking of its frozen assets abroad. Trump will have to consider handing back the fortune he once locked away.

Markets

Newly-made Polymarket accounts won massively on US-Iran ceasefire bets

Newly-made Polymarket accounts bet big on the US-Iran ceasefire mere hours before Trump's announcement profiting hundreds of thousands of dollars and raising suspicions of insider trading.

Economy

Shipping companies seek clarity on Strait of Hormuz reopening

Major shipping lines express cautious optimism over transit opportunities in the Strait of Hormuz after the US-Iran ceasefire was announced, but stress the urgent need for full clarity before any vessels move.

Markets

Iran ceasefire effect: Oil plunges as European markets surge

Oil prices plunged below $100 a barrel after the US and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire that includes the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

Business

Bill Ackman proposes €56 billion acquisition of Universal Music Group

Billionaire investor Bill Ackman has proposed a €56 billion deal to merge Universal Music Group with a US acquisition vehicle, delivering shareholders a 78% premium and a potential New York Stock Exchange listing.

Economy

Japan passes biggest ever budget at €664bn amid spending push

The upper house of the Japanese parliament has enacted a state budget of ¥122.3 trillion (€664bn), the largest allocation in the country's history. The move reflects PM Takaichi's goal of an expansionary fiscal policy.

Markets

Markets send mixed signals ahead of Trump's deadline for Iran

European and Asian markets sent mixed signals on Tuesday in anticipation of US President Donald Trump's deadline for Iran to agree to a deal "before all Hell will reign down on them".

Business

Easter's chocolate giants: The EU nations fuelling the global industry

The continent's chocolate industry continues to operate at peak production, reaffirming its position as the undisputed world leader in cocoa processing and exports.

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