Markets

European Equities Reach 24-Year Highs Amid ECB Rate Cut Optimism

January 20, 2025

European Equities Reach 24-Year Highs Amid ECB Rate Cut Optimism

European stock markets surged to levels not seen since 2000, driven by investor optimism about impending European Central Bank (ECB) rate cuts and a stronger-than-expected Chinese economic recovery. Germany’s DAX index hit record highs, and Italy’s FTSE MIB reached its highest since 2007. Contributing factors include a weaker euro boosting exports, a sharp rebound in Chinese demand, and underweighted investor positions in European equities.

European Markets Suffer Worst Weekly Drop in Over Three Months

December 22, 2024

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European Markets Suffer Worst Weekly Drop in Over Three Months

European shares endured their worst week in more than three months, led by steep losses in the healthcare sector after Novo Nordisk shares plummeted due to disappointing results from its next-generation obesity drug trial. The STOXX 600 index fell nearly 2% for the week, while broader market sentiment was dampened by Donald Trump’s tariff threats and hawkish U.S. Federal Reserve projections for inflation and interest rates.

Bitcoin Hits Record High of Over $106,000

December 16, 2024

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Bitcoin Hits Record High of Over $106,000

Bitcoin surged past $106,000 for the first time, driven by optimism about pro-cryptocurrency policies expected under President-elect Donald Trump. The rally represents a 50% increase in Bitcoin's value since Trump's election victory on November 5.

December 13, 2024

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UK Financial Watchdog Delays Shein IPO

The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is delaying approval of fast-fashion retailer Shein’s planned London IPO, citing concerns about supply chain oversight and legal risks. The scrutiny follows allegations of forced labour and pressure from advocacy groups like Stop Uyghur Genocide (SUG).

British Trader Sentenced to 12 Years for £1bn Fraud in Denmark

December 13, 2024

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British Trader Sentenced to 12 Years for £1bn Fraud in Denmark

British hedge fund trader Sanjay Shah has been sentenced to 12 years in prison by a Danish court for orchestrating a £1 billion tax fraud scheme. The verdict also includes the seizure of $1 billion in assets, a permanent ban from Denmark, and the forfeiture of multiple properties.

EU Ends Double Taxation on Cross-Border Investment Returns

December 11, 2024

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EU Ends Double Taxation on Cross-Border Investment Returns

The European Union's finance ministers have approved new tax regulations that eliminate double taxation on dividends from shares and interest on bonds for cross-border investments. This initiative, proposed by the European Commission, aims to simplify the taxation process, encourage cross-border investments, and reduce tax fraud. Current bilateral treaties addressing double taxation have proven ineffective due to complex, inconsistent rules and lengthy procedures across Member States.

East European Central Banks Drive Global Gold Rush

December 2, 2024

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East European Central Banks Drive Global Gold Rush

Eastern European central banks, including those in Poland, the Czech Republic, and Serbia, are significantly expanding their gold reserves as a strategic safeguard against geopolitical tensions and economic volatility. Poland has emerged as the world’s largest gold purchaser, while Serbia has tripled its reserves since 2012.

Just Eat to Delist from London Stock Exchange to Cut Costs

November 28, 2024

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Just Eat to Delist from London Stock Exchange to Cut Costs

Food delivery giant Just Eat Takeaway has announced plans to delist from the London Stock Exchange (LSE) by the end of December, citing high costs, low trading volumes, and regulatory complexities. The move comes as Just Eat faces challenges in maintaining growth post-pandemic and marks another setback for the UK’s financial market.