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After a Difficult Year, the Tech Industry Returns to the CES Industry Trade Show
After a three-year pandemic break, the technology industry returned to the renowned electronics trade show CES in Las Vegas. The dominant topics were artificial intelligence and virtual reality. However, extensive staff reduction programs at major tech companies also made headlines recently.
Stock Exchanges Carefully Optimistic for 2023 After Year of Losses
The turn of the year marked the end of a difficult and lossy year on the stock markets. After two years of Corona pandemic, 2022 was dominated by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with many stock exchanges suffering double-digit losses.
Retailers hopeful for Black Friday and Cyber Week
On Black Friday and Cyber Monday, many retailers traditionally draw shoppers with discounts and special offers. In view of high inflation and rising interest rates and their potential impact, the financial markets are looking particularly eagerly to the two big holiday shopping days this year.
Technology stocks in the verge of a comeback?
Due to fears of recession, rising inflation and interest rates, US technology stocks have come under pressure in 2022. The prospect of falling inflation, fueled by recent data from the US, could put them back on track for growth. We explore the question of whether tech stocks are on the verge of a comeback.
Bearish Stock Markets After Third-Term Re-Election of Chinese Head Of State Xi Jingping
Hands off Chinese equities? The confirmation of another term in office for China’s state and party leader Xi Jinping triggered a plunge in share prices on the Hong Kong and Shanghai stock exchanges. Equities Technology in particular came under pressure. What happens now?
OPEC Cuts Oil Production by 2m Barrels per Day, Sparking Criticism From the West
Last Wednesday, the countries of the OPEC+ oil alliance decided on a comprehensive reduction in oil production. As early as November, 2 million barrels less per day will be produced. Many countries fear a rise in oil prices.
New UK Prime Minister and New King During Turbulent Times
The death of Queen Elizabeth II, her succession by Charles III and the appointment of the new prime minister, Liz Truss, mark a change of era in Great Britain. The government’s focus is on the fight against inflation and high energy prices.
European Forum Alpbach Ends on a Positive Note Despite Ukraine War and Climate Crisis
The 77th edition of the European Forum Alpbach recently came to an end. This year, the symposium was held under the central motto “The New Europe”, with topics such as climate protection or security policy on the agenda.
The Meme Stocks Are Back: Bed Bath & Beyond in the Spotlight After Price Rollercoaster
The meme stocks are back. Most recently, the shares of Bed Bath & Beyond in particular have been in the spotlight with a veritable roller coaster ride. What is behind this phenomenon?
OPEC+ Agrees Minimal Increase in Production Volumes
Hopes were pinned on a significantly higher increase to put the brakes on the soaring oil prices. At present, it is mainly the oil companies that are benefiting from this, as they recently reported record profits.
WIIW Forecast Sees Eastern European EU Countries Well-Equiped to Handle Consequences of War and Inflation
For this year, experts at the Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies (WIIW) expect economic growth of 3.3% on average for the EU members in Central, Eastern and Southeastern Europe.
Japan Faces Possible Monetary Policy Change Following Upper House Election
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s ruling LPD won a resounding victory in the upper house election. With a solid majority, Kishida could now initiate reforms in security and energy policy. In addition, the extremely loose monetary policy that has been in place for years is being put to the test.
Travel Industry Expects Strong Summer Season After Two Years of Crisis
For companies in the tourism and travel industry, this could mean a return to profitability despite staff shortages and higher fuel prices.
Despite high inflation, U.S. Treasury Secretary Yellen sees little risk of recession
Sentiment among U.S. consumers has fallen to a record low due to high inflation. How does this data affect the economy? Is a recession looming? Are solid corporate results being ignored?
World Economic Forum in Davos Sees World at Turning Point After Pandemic-Induced Break
The World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, focused on the topics of the Ukraine war, inflation, supply chain problems, food shortages and climate change. How do top politicians and leading economists assess the situation?
China’s Strict Zero-Covid Strategy Is Slowing Down Economic Recovery
China’s economy is on a downward slide: exports and freight traffic are at their lowest level since the beginning of the pandemic. Investors are turning their backs on the country. Has the bottom now been reached?
Streaming Industry Shake-Up: Pioneer Netflix Losing Customers for the First Time
After the Netflix share price crash: Are the golden days for streaming providers like Netflix and Amazon over? What new plans could inspire investors?
France Presidential Elections: Second Voting Round between Macron and Le Pen
A tight race is shaping up in the run-off election for the French presidency in a fortnight. What concerns both candidates is the preservation of purchasing power and the high prices for oil and natural gas. How will the financial markets react to the election result?
Massive Investments to Solve Chip Industry’s Supply Bottlenecks as Demand Soars Further
The increased demand for semiconductors continues to cause supply bottlenecks. This is why the EU wants to boost Europe’s share of the global market in semiconductor production. In particular, computers and mobile phones as well as consumer electronics are in demand.
Soaring Oil Prices may Accelerate Phase-Out of Fossil Fuels
After the oil price climbed to its highest level since 2008 in the previous week, the countries want to end their dependence on Russian oil and natural gas supplies.
Transition to EVs is the Automotive Industry’s Hope for Beating Chip Crisis
The automotive industry is slowly recovering from the shortage of semiconductors in 2020 and 2021. The European car manufacturers recently presented more positive figures. The switch to electromobility is now in full swing.
Turbulent Week for Tech Giant Shares
US technology stocks have been subject to high fluctuations recently. Facebook reported significant share price losses. In contrast, Apple, Alphabet, Microsoft and Amazon delivered solid figures. The technology sector should continue to grow in the future.
Gas and Oil Prices Continue to Soar
Energy prices are going through the roof at the moment. The causes are both political and economic. Shares in the energy and commodities sector offer potential for further price increases.
Second Pandemic Year Ends With Strong Gains for Stock Markets
For the world’s stock markets, the second year of the coronavirus pandemic ended with partly spectacular gains. Which stock markets were the best in 2021? One thing should be said in advance: The Vienna Stock Exchange was among the top performers
New German “Traffic Light” Coalition Launches Climate and Economic Programme During Difficult Phase
Germany’s first federal government coalition of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), the Free Democratic Party (FDP) and the Green Party – called the “traffic light” coalition for the parties’ traditional colours – has now been in office for just under two weeks and is starting its planned renewal programme at the most difficult time imaginable. The train towards climate protection and renewable energies is picking up speed.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday Kick off the Year’s most Important Retail Season on Friday
On November 26, the traditional “Black Friday“ of discount deals in the US and many other countries officially kicks off the immensely important Christmas shopping season for many industries. However, with the trend towards online shopping accelerating with the Corona pandemic, how will this turn out this year?
Japan’s Prime Minister Kishida Promises Economic Stimulus Programmes to Combat Corona Crisis After Election Victory
The parliamentary elections in Japan confirmed Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s pro-business course. Will the stock market gain new momentum?
Continuing Oil Price Rally Leads to new Multi-Year Highs
Crude oil prices continued to soar in the past week. The background to the oil price increases lies in the rising demand for oil combined with the ongoing economic recovery and fears of tight supply. The price surge in recent days was triggered by a drop in oil reserves reported by the US government on Wednesday.
Network Outage and Whistleblower give Facebook Critics new Fuel for Fire
Two nearly simultaneous events surrounding social network behemoth Facebook have recently directed public attention towards the network’s impact and power, giving Facebook critics new momentum: After an outage of the most important Facebook services last Monday that lasted several hours, former Facebook employee and whistleblower Frances Haugen made serious accusations against the company before the US Senate the following day.
Gas Price Surge Driving up Electricity Prices and Fueling Inflation Concerns
Gas prices have soared in recent weeks. What are the reasons behind this? Will the planned increase in Norwegian gas supply bring the relief we have been longing for? Read more in our blog.
20 Years of 9/11: Full Circle from Bush to Biden
Exactly 20 years ago, on 11 September 2001, the USA was shaken by the worst terrorist attacks in its history. The attacks on the World Trade Center in New York claimed the lives of 3,000 people. They changed world politics. The effects are still a big issue today – keyword Afghanistan.
Tourism Industry on the Path to Recovery in Summer, but Pre-Crisis Level Still a Long Way Off
The travel and tourism industry is continuing its recovery. The number of overnight stays increased noticeably in what is now the second Corona pandemic summer, and travel figures paint a similar picture. However, pre-Corona pandemic levels are still a long way off, and the recent strong spread of the delta variant of the virus is also an uncertainty factor.
Germany’s economy recovering from slump
Germany’s economy is back on a growth path after the pandemic dip at the beginning of the year. While service providers and retailers benefit from the relaxation of the Corona measures, the industry is being held back by material shortages and supply bottlenecks. How does the German stock index (DAX) react?
Bezos, Branson and Musk launch the age of commercial space tourism
With their flights into space in July 2021, multi-billionaires Jeff Bezos and Richard Branson launched the era of commercial space tourism. Whether space travel can become a lucrative business remains to be seen.
Oil prices climb to multi-year highs after OPEC negotiations fail
The rise in oil and energy prices is fueling concerns about a burgeoning inflation. Behind the failure of the latest OPEC negotiations is also a political competition for influence and power in the Gulf region.
5 years after the Brexit referendum: UK on the path to recovery in turbulent times
These days mark the 5th anniversary of the British vote to leave the European Union. How does the UK stand economically after the “Brexit”? What challenges still lie ahead for the country? What opportunities do investors have? Read more in today’s blog.
G7 countries agree climate targets, vaccination programmes and China policy
With renewed vigour, the heads of state of the G7 group of leading industrialised nations recently agreed climate targets, vaccination programmes for poor countries and a common front against China at their eponymous summit, held in the British resort of Carbis Bay.
DAX set to break all-time high thanks to economic recovery as election year autumn approaches
Germany has awakened from its pandemic “deep sleep”, and the economy is picking up speed in an election year. Investments related to the reduction of greenhouse gases could give a strong boost to innovative companies in the DAX and at European level.
Banks, IT companies and car manufacturers report profit gains in Q1
The reporting season is drawing to a close. Most of the companies listed on the stock exchange exceeded analysts’ estimates. The outlook for the future is also optimistic.
Global semiconductor shortage continues to pose challenge for automotive and electronics sectors
The global shortage of semiconductors is causing problems for car manufacturers and the computer industry. Trends such as the digitalisation of working life or autonomous driving are likely to increase demand even more. Technology shares are in demand.
Hedge fund Archegos Capital’s default causing a big stir
Hedge funds have often been talked about in the past because a failure of their sometimes risky investment strategies can trigger chain reactions in the financial industry and the markets, as was the case recently with Archegos Capital. But hedge funds often take on an important role with their alternative investment strategies. Read more on our blog.
US and Europe restarting joint efforts in fight against climate change
The USA and the EU are back on the same page as new President Joe Biden takes office. The new US climate envoy John Kerry, on his first visit to Brussels in this role, underlined the importance of the renewed climate alliance with Europe. “We are committed to renewing our strong alliance in the fight against the climate crisis,” the former US Secretary of State said in a joint statement with EU representatives last Wednesday.
Hopes for upswing continue to drive oil and industrial metal prices higher
Hopes for an economic recovery, but also the latest inflation fears, have recently fuelled the price rally on the commodity markets, with prices for crude oil and industrial metals continuing to soar. Several metal prices recently rose to multi-year highs.
EU Commission lowers growth forecasts for 2021, but is more optimistic for 2022
In view of the still rampant Corona pandemic, the EU Commission has recently lowered its growth forecasts for 2021. With the delays in some EU countries’ vaccination programmes, the lockdowns could also drag on, delaying the expected economic recovery, the Commission argues.
US earnings season gets off to a positive start, Netflix with record figures
On the world’s stock exchanges, earnings season in the USA is being followed with great interest. During this period, almost all major listed US companies report on their past financial quarter and give an outlook for the coming year.
USA: Clear sailing for Joe Biden’s economic programme after winning Senate majority
After the Democrats’ success in the Senate run-off elections in the US State of Georgia, the party now has the de-facto majority in both chambers of Congress, and therefore US President-elect Joe Biden should soon have much more leeway for implementing his economic policy programmes.
ECB and European Parliament get crisis programmes for 2021 on track
As the year 2020 comes to a close, the European Central Bank (ECB) and the European Parliament have put their respective programmes for the fight against the crisis on track for next year. The MEPs recently approved the approximately EUR 1.1tn Community budget for the next seven years, which includes EUR 750bn in Corona aid.
OPEC+ haggling over production restrictions at ongoing meeting
The eyes of the international business world are currently fixed on Vienna. At the OPEC headquarters in downtown Vienna, the oil cartel’s member states and its allies are currently haggling over production volumes, and thus the further development of oil prices, via video conference.
Turkey: Erdogan combats crisis with new economic programme after change of staff
After unexpected replacements of the head of the central bank and the finance minister, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan recently declared war on the inflation and currency depreciation in his country with a new economic programme. In doing so, Erdogan is radically turning away from his previous economic policy line by relying on foreign investment and monetary stability.
Global economic slump less severe than expected, but still the worst recession in decades, according to IMF
According to current forecasts by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the global economy should be able to handle the consequences of the corona pandemic somewhat better than has been feared. In its eagerly awaited global economic outlook for this year, the IMF now expects global economic output to decline by only 4.4 per cent. The IMF has thus adjusted its last forecast from June by 0.5 percentage points.