Finance news

Can Sodium-Ion Batteries Help the U.S. Close the Gap With China?

A massive industrial manufacturer of sodium-ion battery systems is being constructed in Northern California. The 183,000-square-foot Sacramento plant will be able to produce 4 gigawatt-hours of sodium-ion battery systems per year, enough batteries to power almost four million households. This marks a major step forward for the state’s clean energy sector as well as a considerable endorsement of sodium-ion battery technologies as a promising next-gen storage solution. The plant will be the first

Real estate: Statutory health insurance funds suffer millions in losses from real estate investments

Several statutory health insurance associations and health insurance companies are suing the Verius real estate fund for damages due to losses. The case also raises questions about government oversight.

Ukraine’s prime minister steps down as Zelensky announces government reshuffle

Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko stepped down on Sunday as President Volodymyr Zelensky announced fresh changes to Ukraine’s government, saying he had offered a new and important position to the former premier. Zelensky, who has remained in office under martial law because wartime elections are prohibited, has periodically reshuffled his government in an effort to bring fresh momentum to his administration. Svyrydenko, who has served as Ukraine’s economy minister, was named prime...

Israel to hold parliamentary elections on October 27 as Netanyahu seeks another term

Israel will hold national elections on October 27, the last date allowed by law, its parliament said on Sunday, with the vote widely seen as a referendum on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s leadership since the Gaza war erupted. The Knesset, as parliament is known, is set to end its current term on July 17, allowing the ruling coalition to complete a full four-year term for the first time in decades. “Since the current Knesset is expected to serve its full term and the next general election..

Israeli gunfire in Gaza refugee camp kills 6, including 9-year-old girl

Israeli attacks killed at least six people in the Gaza Strip on Sunday, including a 9-year-old girl, Palestinian health officials said, as mediators held ‌more talks to safeguard the US-brokered ceasefire. Medics said Israeli gunfire directed at a tent encampment on the eastern side of the Al-Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza killed 9-year-old Tala Abu Matar. The Israeli military said it was not aware of the incident. An air strike at a metal foundry in Gaza City’s Sabra neighbourhood killed..

Elon Musk and Sam Altman spar on X after Apple files OpenAI lawsuit

Sam Altman insisted that Elon Musk was again obsessed with him because of an OpenAI model release earlier this week.

As five big U.S. banks report earnings on the same day, Citigroup is the one to watch

Among the largest U.S. banks, Citigroup is expected to show the greatest improvement by one important measure. But it still has a long way to go to reach its own performance target.

Subsidiary budget: Union and SPD fight over the climate fund

Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil wants to redirect money from the climate and transformation fund into the budget. There is resistance to this.

ASEAN offers Myanmar diplomatic olive branch but no concessions

Britain Bets on Hydropower to Boost Energy Security

After years of neglect, the United Kingdom has big plans for hydropower as part of broader plans for a green transition. The government is supporting the development of three large-scale hydro-storage projects as part of its plans to diversify the U.K. energy mix, support a green transition, and boost energy security. Hydropower is one of the oldest and largest sources of renewable energy. It works by converting the energy of running water into electricity. Many hydropower projects rely on reser

Here are the 3 big things we're watching in the stock market this week

The state of the U.S. economy is in focus across bank earnings and inflation data.

Car company in crisis: VW crisis without closures? Blume: “Smarter solutions”

VW is planning a major renovation. More than 100,000 jobs could be lost and locations are at risk. Now CEO Blume is speaking out - and sees “smarter solutions” than plant closures.

Reform package: Steinmeier on reforms: “Something has finally happened”

In the summer interview, the Federal President praised the government's work and called for confidence. But he also warns not to rest on the laurels of the reforms that have been decided.

Insight Innovation: All about nuclear energy – this is how France wants to become Europe’s AI power

President Macron is promoting AI data centers using nuclear power. But can the country actually keep up with the rapidly increasing demand when it comes to expanding the power grid and reactor capacities?

Foxconn, Apple and BYD in China: Ten to twelve hours a day for 600 euros a month

In Zhengzhou, China, people work in two of the largest factories in the world - for low wages, long shifts and political control. Now the model is spreading worldwide. This presents Germany with major challenges.

Ukraine: Zelensky expands tanker war against Russia

Within a week, Ukraine attacked dozens of Russian oil tankers with drones. The fuel shortage in Russia is worsening.

What does China’s J-16 fighter jet in ‘beast mode’ mean for PLA Air Force patrols?

A newly emerged image of a PLA J-16 multirole fighter jet in a rare, heavy air‑superiority “extreme loadout” configuration points to an extension of long-range tactical capabilities, according to a Chinese military magazine. In an analysis published this month, Ordnance Science and Technology said the photo of a J‑16 carrying multiple long‑range missiles circulating in May showed that China’s air force had developed more offensive tactical capabilities. “This J-16 sortie used 10 external-weapon.

Earnings estimates have been following an unusual pattern this time around

Analysts generally lower their estimates in the months before earnings. But thanks to the energy and tech sectors, expectations have actually climbed heading into second-quarter results.

Berlin: Finance Senator Evers is to become the top candidate for the Berlin CDU

After the incumbent mayor of Berlin withdrew his candidacy, the state executive committee wants to nominate the finance senator on Monday. He plans one thing above all: saving.

First session of Syria’s parliament convenes after Assad’s ousting

Syria’s transitional parliament began its first session on Sunday, tasked with drafting the country’s new constitution and laying the groundwork for democracy after decades of authoritarian rule. Syria’s new authorities dissolved the country’s rubber-stamp legislature after toppling long-time ruler Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, and adopted a temporary constitutional declaration to cover a five-year transition period. In October last year, and in a process criticised as undemocratic, local...

Student loan borrowers on new RAP plan can lose key benefits if they pay even one day late

The new Repayment Assistance Plan, or RAP, offers benefits to federal student loan borrowers — but only if their bill is paid on time. Here's what to know.

The No. 1 decision for aging retirees: Stay at home or move into a senior community?

Why staying in your longtime home requires more planning than you think.

China: 14 states warn China against advances in the South China Sea

The states, including Germany, refer to an arbitration court ruling that is almost ten years old. They are calling on China to hold back.

Reform package for Germany: Federal President: Without economic growth there is no trust

The coalition's reform program to overcome economic weakness in Germany is criticized by the SPD and the CDU/CSU. The Federal President sees reason for optimism.

The stock-market rally now hinges more on AI than oil

As earnings season kicks off, AI investment remains front and center.

Hong Kong’s dog-friendly licence scheme triggers fierce online debate

Hong Kong’s dog-friendly restaurant scheme has sparked a fierce online debate over public hygiene and acceptable pet behaviour, while a branch of a cafe has opted out of the initiative just three days after it took effect. While more than 940 restaurants opened their doors to owners and their dogs last Thursday, clips showing dogs licking plates and sitting on dining tables and chairs have gone viral online. But other internet users have also made the case that many canine diners have been...

Election in Berlin in September: Finance Senator Evers should quickly become the top candidate

Finance Senator Stefan Evers is supposed to lead the Berlin CDU out of the polls as the new top candidate. He warns of rising debt, littering in Berlin and a left-green government.

Aung San Suu Kyi will be looked after, Myanmar envoy tells Asean

Foreign ministers from Asean were ⁠told on Sunday by their Myanmar counterpart ⁠that detained former leader Aung San Suu Kyi is in good health and would be looked after, ASEAN’s special envoy to Myanmar said. Maria Theresa Lazaro, the Philippine foreign minister, has been seeking access to Suu Kyi, 81, who has been detained since her elected government ‌was ousted in a 2021 military coup. “My recollection of the statement of the Myanmar foreign minister on Aung San Suu Kyi is that she’s in good.

Ukraine: Zelenskyy announces government restructuring in Ukraine - Prime Minister should leave

The Ukrainian head of government wants to change the political strategy. Several ministers should go for this. Prime Minister Svyrydenko should take on a different task in the future.

For a China on the rise, soft power is vital

Europeans are reconsidering who their countries should partner with in an increasingly uncertain world. A June survey of 24 European Union countries by Public First on whether to have closer ties with the United States or China found opinion divided. Eight leaned towards China, nine favoured the US and seven were split. This is not just a question of economics or geopolitics. It is about reputation as well. China has sought to portray itself as a more stable and reliable long-term partner as...