Europe

Mercedes-Benz's earnings fell sharply in the first half compared to the same period in 2024. A job cuts programme and temporary tariffs of 27.5% for exports to the US were two significant factors.

After passing new stress tests, Goldman and J.P. Morgan are increasing dividends and share buybacks. European banks can only dream of the amounts involved.

BNP Paribas wants to expand its current activities with targeted acquisitions such as that of Axa Investment Managers. CFO Lars Machenil discusses the bank's strategy – and points to the obstacles that remain making cross-border consolidation in the European banking sector difficult.

In the first half of 2025, the Dax and other European stock exchange indices made unexpectedly large gains – while the dollar slumped. Analysts forecast modest gains for the Dax in the second half – but still view European valuations as offering better opportunities than expensive US stocks.

Bitstamp has strengthened its position in the EU market with a Luxembourg MiCA licence. Europe's oldest crypto exchange was acquired last year by US neobroker Robinhood.

It is not only the USA that provides a good example of accessing the capital markets for pensions and wealth creation. Much can be learned from other EU countries with successful models – such as Sweden and the Netherlands.

In spite of its current high price, gold still has good prospects, according to Banque de Luxembourg Investments CIO Guy Wagner. And European equities look more attractive than in the US, given the gap in valuations.

The ESG backlash can be seen as an opportunity. The pullback of the US giants is a setback for climate protection – but gives European asset managers a chance to differentiate themselves in the competition for investors.

Following the election of Donald Trump, the EU must be prepared for disruptive moves from the White House. There is a risk that Trump will try to drive the EU member states apart.

There are plenty of reasons that car manufacturers cite when the figures don't add up. In 2024, model changes will negatively impact earnings. But there are more fundamental causes, with no easy solutions.

The shortening of the settlement cycle for securities transactions in the US poses enormous challenges for Europe's asset managers. S&P Global and the CME Group now want to capitalise on this opportunity with their joint venture Osttra.

Engin Eroglu, Member of the European Parliament for the Free Voters, calls for a "regulatory pause" and a review of how the USA in particular has implemented Basel III in order to make adjustments in Europe if necessary.

Like Douglas, many other IPO candidates come from private equity and are highly indebted. In order for IPOs to be well received by investors, debt must be reduced. More than three times the operating profit is no longer accepted.

Germany is failing in every possible way: inadequate market measures, excessive central planning and bureaucracy, escalating social costs, deteriorating infrastructure, rising energy prices, and a diminishing appeal for highly skilled individuals. Yet, Berlin remains committed to the misguided path.

Europe's banks are complaining about the allegedly too tight timetables for implementing new capital requirements. However, they have advantages over their US competitors.

The banks were very covetous when it came to residual debt policy. In some cases, more than half of the premiums were once collected as commission.

Start-ups in Europe are significantly slowing down their workforce expansion this year. The hiring rate, especially for late-stage companies, has sharply declined compared to the previous year, as an analysis shows. For the majority, a short-term increase in staff is currently not a priority.

Policymakers and network operators want to prevent a classic chicken-and-egg problem in the hydrogen ramp-up. Chances for success are not bad.

Millionaires advocating for higher taxes on the wealthy do not have to wait for the legislature: the federal government's debt repayment account is ready to receive inflows.

Rheinmetall has not concluded its acquisition endeavors with the purchase of ammunition manufacturer Expal. CFO Dagmar Steinert is keen on further consolidation in Europe while also navigating the challenge of financing the company's rapid growth.

Climate tech is supposed to play a decisive role in the green transformation, but there is a lack of investment. Especially the already somewhat larger scale-up companies need more capital.

Ursula von der Leyen did not achieve the desired breakthrough with her State of the EU address - despite the surprising anti-dumping procedure against China.