Author's Contributions
Davos 2024: Climate Crisis, AI, geopolitics and interest rates were key topics
Last week, many high-ranking representatives from politics and business once again gathered in Davos, Switzerland, for the annual World Economic Forum. The most pressing topics were the use of AI, the climate crisis and geopolitical tensions. Meanwhile, central bankers made interesting statements on future interest rate policy.
Money tip: Invest in Japanese stocks
Following the recent gains in the Japanese benchmark index, the stock market of the world’s third-largest economy could be worth a look. What is the state of the economy and monetary policy in the “Land of the Rising Sun” and how can investors invest in Japanese stocks?
Stock markets review: Hopes for interest rate cuts fuelled significant gains in 2023
The international stock markets closed out 2023 with significant gains. Hopes of abating inflationary pressure and declining interest rates were the main market drivers in Q4, resulting in a strong year for stock exchanges.
Members of OPEC+ plan to further cut oil production
The OPEC+ oil association was unable to agree on official production cuts at its meeting last Thursday. However, individual member states announced plans for cuts. In a joint statement after the meeting, the more than twenty OPEC+ states also announced that Brazil would join the production alliance at the beginning of next year.
More Optimistic Outlook for German Economy among Experts
Stock market professionals are less pessimistic about the prospects for the German economy in the next six months. This is shown by the current economic barometer of the Center for European Economic Research (ZEW). The government also wants to get the economy moving again with additional relief measures.
Holiday sales: Hopes for record season in the US
The robust labor market and many special offers give hope for another record Christmas season in the USA. The latest market research data also shows that, despite inflation and high interest rates, Americans are once again planning to spend more over the holidays this year.
Middle East Conflict continues: worries about expansion to other countries
Roughly two weeks after the surprising terrorist attacks by the radical Islamic Hamas ruling the Gaza Strip, on targets in Israel, the military conflict in the country continues unabated. The war in the region also continues to dominate the financial and commodity markets, with global concerns that the conflict could possibly spread to other countries in the Middle East being the main driver of uncertainty.
Inflation continues to fall: Do interest rate hikes now come to an end?
Inflation in the Eurozone is expected to fall further. According to initial estimates, the inflation rate fell more sharply than expected in August. With a view to the next ECB interest rate decision at the end of October, the question now arises: Do interest rate hikes now come to an end?
Crude Oil Prices Hit Highest Level in 10 Months
Oil prices have been rising steeply for several weeks. The prices of the most important oil companies have also risen. How can investors profit?
Semiconductor Industry Picking up Speed Again: AI Chips Are Booming
After a period of declining sales, the semiconductor industry is expected to get back on track and return to growth in 2024. In particular, chips developed specifically for AI applications are a big driver of the boom.
The known unknown: China’s recovery proves more difficult than expected
After getting off to a good start at the outset of the year, economic recovery in China has recently stalled again. Following the lifting of stringent measures to contain the pandemic, the path out of the crisis is proving slower than expected. The flagging domestic demand as well as the ailing real estate sector, have recently put a damper on the world’s second-largest economy.
Turnaround in the Energy Market: Power Companies Raise Forecasts, Oil Companies’ Profits Drop
The decline in crude oil prices has led to a trend reversal in the energy market this year: while many power companies have recently raised their profit forecasts, the major oil companies suffered massively from the recent drop in crude oil prices. Meanwhile, in the effort to reach climate targets, the trend toward renewable energies continues unabate
E-vehicles boom unbroken
The automotive industry is slowly regaining momentum after the pandemic and supply bottlenecks. E-Vehicles are experiencing a real boom. How can you profit as an investor?
Economy in Japan growing again
The economy in Japan emerged from recession in the first quarter. Several important economic indicators signal an upswing after the Corona crisis and the Japanese benchmark index Nikkei also rose steadily recently.
Inflation in Europe likely to have peaked
Inflation data in Europe recently showed a surprisingly significant slowdown. The decline in energy prices in particular had a dampening effect. Read our latest blog post to find out about the current inflation in the individual EU countries.
Germany slides into technical recession: What does that mean?
The German economy slipped into a technical recession in the first quarter. What does this mean for the largest economy in the euro zone and what is a technical recession?
IT-Giants focus on Artificial Intelligence
The cloud business of the leading tech companies continues to boom. However, many see the future primarily in the potential applications of artificial intelligence. With billions in investments, Google parent Alphabet and software giant Microsoft want to take a leading role in the trendy topic of AI.
Eastern Europe Economies Outperforming the Eurozone
The Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies sees the economies of Eastern Europe on a growth path. The bottom seems to have been reached. Now investing in the region’s leading companies?
Türkiye: President Erdogan Focuses on Economic Issues in Election Campaign
The hot phase of Turkey’s election campaign has begun, with parliamentary and presidential elections to be held simultaneously in the country on 14 May. In addition to the consequences of the earthquake disaster in early February, the Turkish citizens are also suffering from the massive inflation.
OPEC+ announces surprise oil production cut
The OPEC+ oil cartel’s member countries surprised the markets with an unexpected production cut announcement early this week, causing a surge in crude oil prices. The cuts were a “precautionary measure aimed at supporting the stability of the oil market,” OPEC+ said.
French President Macron Pushes Through Controversial Pension Reform
France’s controversial pension reform is about to be signed off. In the past week, protests against the reform have become more massive.
EU and US Looking to Latin America as new Strategic Business Partner
The EU and the USA want to focus more on Latin America as an important economic partner. Most recently, the chances of concluding the EU’s long-planned trade agreement with the Latin American Mercosur free trade zone have also increased.
One Year Into the Ukraine War: Energy Price Shock and Inflation Still Noticeable, but Recovery on the Horizon
One year after the start of the Russian war of aggression on Ukraine, the economic impact is felt around the globe. Naturally, the economic damage in Ukraine itself is devastating.
China Aiming for Fast Economic Recovery After End Of Covid Restrictions
After the lifting of the Corona restrictions, mighty China is back on track for growth. Also the global economy is benefiting from this. In any case, the Shanghai and Hong Kong stock exchanges started the “Year of the Rabbit” on a positive note.
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?