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Business

UniCredit threatens to drop Banco BPM bid if Anima offer cost rises

UniCredit offered to buy the second largest Italian bank Banco BPM for €10bn in late November last year. The acquisition was a counter offer by UniCredit after BPM's bid to buy Anima for €1bn - to boost its asset management fee income amid falling interest rates.

Economy

Germany's business climate mixed, European markets sink on AI reset

Germany's business climate improved slightly in January, but expectations fell to a one-year low. Concerns over bureaucracy and US tariffs continue to weigh on the German economy. Markets slumped as China's DeepSeek AI shook the tech sector.

Economy

Germany's economic sentiment darkens amid Trump trade risks

US President Donald Trump stopped short of imposing new tariffs in his initial executive orders but unveiled the External Revenue Service, a new agency tasked with collecting tariffs and duties in the coming months.

Business

Křetínský’s EPH approached over sale of Uniper stake, say sources

The Czech energy group EPH has emerged as a potential buyer for Germany's stake in Uniper.

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Economy

German inflation shows continued rise, still ahead of ECB's target

The increase was mainly led by rising services and food prices, leaving the inflation rate to remain above the European Central Bank's target of 2%.

Economy

Factory activity levels slump in Germany - winter recession pending?

A winter recession could be on the cards for Germany as factory activity levels slumped in November, according to data released on Wednesday by the Federal Statistical Office.

Europe in Motion

How do America's poorest states compare to Europe's largest economies?

The poorest US state has a higher GDP per capita than Europe’s top economies, except for Germany. Is this set to continue being the case in 2025?

Markets

Markets react to Germany's surprise inflation climb to 11-month high

Germany's inflationary pressures resurged strongly in December, exceeding forecasts and reaching an 11-month high, with latest data signalling a persistent challenge for policymakers at the European Central Bank.

Markets

How French bonds became one of the riskiest in the Eurozone

French 10-year bond yields are climbing ever higher, showing a mounting concern for the country's finances. But does the current pricing spell trouble for the country's future debt servicing?

Economy

Five major economic hurdles Germany needs to overcome in 2025

Germany is set to face a tough 2025 with stagnating growth, fiscal uncertainty, geopolitical risks, high energy costs, and a weakening automotive sector. Without reforms to unlock structural investments and bolster competitiveness, Europe's largest economy risks prolonged malaise.

Business

Germany's consumer climate still low, DAX eyes fifth straight drop

Germany's GfK Consumer Confidence Index rose slightly, but despite beating expectations, sentiment remains fragile amid high inflation and job insecurity. The DAX fell 0.9%, marking its fifth loss, as European markets slid on hawkish Fed signals.

Business

Can Germany's improving financial sentiment beat business pessimism?

Financial experts are more optimistic about Germany’s economy as the ZEW index rebounded more than expected in December, its highest in four months, driven by ECB rate cut prospects and snap elections. Yet, the ifo survey shows businesses remain far more pessimistic about 2025.

Economy

Germany's business climate at near 4-year low as 2025 outlook darkens

A pessimistic outlook towards 2025 is gripping key sectors, with structural challenges and weak investment driving prolonged stagnation concerns for Europe's largest economy.

Economy

Eurozone services rebound in December, but political woes linger

Eurozone services rebounded in December, lifting overall activity despite a manufacturing slump and job cuts. Germany and France remain in contraction, weighed by political uncertainty. Inflationary pressures persist, keeping the ECB's interest rate path uncertain.

Business

Bosch: Up to 10,000 German jobs at risk as car market stutters

The world's largest supplier of car parts has been hit by weak demand, strong Chinese competition and slow transition to EVs.

Business

Volkswagen workers worry about future as they stage warning strikes

Thousands of workers at Volkswagen's headquarters in Wolfsburg launched warning strikes on Monday, with the works council accusing shareholders of prioritising billions in profits while workers face job insecurity and potential layoffs.

Economy

Big drop in German consumer confidence beats hopes of economic growth

A key survey shows Germans preparing to tighten their belts rather than boost private consumption, the sector which provides half of the GDP in Europe's biggest economy.

Economy

Germany business morale worsens further: Is competitiveness at risk?

German business confidence fell sharply in November, with the Ifo Index hitting its second-worst level since January. Rising costs, energy prices, and structural issues are eroding industrial competitiveness, while private sector activity hit a nine-month low.

Economy

Modest growth in the German economy helps it avoid a recession

Europe's biggest economy expanded by 0.1% in the third quarter, revised down from the first estimate of a 0.2% rise.

Business

European hotspots for AI: These are the leading countries in 2024

Germany has shown a huge improvement this year in a new ranking for the best hotspots for AI startups. Even so, Europe's strongest economy still falls short of the top spot.