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Reports, insights, analyses, and opinions on Europe's biggest financial market
Concerted action in support of the Frankfurt finance hub
At a recent event organised by Bankenverband Mitte, politicians and representatives from the financial sector called for better coordination to support the Frankfurt finance hub. They pointed to the recent success in winning out in the competition for the location of the Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA).
EDIS proposal was hastily cobbled together
For the first time since 2015, there has been legislative movement on a European Deposit Insurance Scheme. But MEP Markus Ferber says that the Parliament position on EDIS was hastily cobbled together.
Growing number of million euro earners at EU banks
The number of million euro-plus earners in the European banking industry is increasing, according to the European Banking Authority. There were 2,342 people in this category for 2022. Though few of them were women.
Car manufacturers in a strategic dilemma
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.
Finding the right moment in difficult times
Dealmakers faced a challenging market environment last year. The winners who gathered in Frankfurt for the Corporate Finance Award ceremony hosted by Börsen-Zeitung and PwC shared some stories of navigating through turbulent waters.
„In today's world companies are constantly in crisis“
Walter Sinn, Managing Partner of consulting firm Bain & Co Germany, explains what currently concerns his clients, and identifies actions needed to improve the German business location.
Industry seeks to attract risk capital for critical technologies
The Federation of German Industries (BDI) urges the government to introduce new measures aimed at boosting industrial startups, by channeling more growth capital into Germany.
„The price of gold should move significantly higher“
Guy Wagner, Chief Investment Officer of Banque de Luxembourg Investments (BLI), expects the price of gold to rise significantly higher. He is also focusing on Japanese equities.
„The climate transformation must not falter due to financing constraints“
The economic landscape is being pressured by the climate transformation, and fears of deindustrialisation are growing. A recent roundtable hosted by IW, DekaBank, and Börsen-Zeitung, featuring Baden-Württemberg's Finance Minister, Bayaz, offered up a few solutions.
„Our price target for Tesla is 2,000 dollars“
US fund manager Cathie Wood sees a bright future in Europe for active ETFs. At an event in Frankfurt she explained her strategy of investing in companies engaged in disruptive innovation – such as Tesla.
State of Hessen quadruples its stake in Helaba
The State of Hessen plans a cash injection of 1.5 billion for common shares in Helaba, as well as subscribing to a 500 million AT1 bond. The transaction is being undertaken because the European Banking Authority will no longer recognise silent participations as core capital.
The coalition's TikTok challenge
Economic Affairs and Climate Action Minister Robert Habeck has joined TikTok. But the jury is still out on the potential pluses and minuses for politicians.
A spectre haunts corporate America
Activist investors are launching more campaigns than ever before. And they are increasingly targeting larger companies, and not just in the US.
Big Pharma sounding the retreat
Big Pharma is gradually pulling away from the consumer health sector. Stepping in to take its place are the consumer goods conglomerates.
Viessmann embarks on biggest transformation in its 100-year history with sale of heating division
Viessmann has sold its heating division to US company Carrier Global for 12 billion euros, plus a stake in Carrier. The timing was good given the value realised, but the calculations of the Viessmann family went beyond price.
SimCorp looks a good fit for Deutsche Börse
The first quarter earnings report from Deutsche Börse underscores the strategic rationale behind the SimCorp acquisition. Now integration costs must be effectively managed to unlock the full potential of the deal.
Banks once again en vogue
The frosty relationship between politicians and bankers has been consigned to the past. The banking industry is now viewed in Berlin as indispensable for driving forward the economic transformation.
Tectonic shifts in the European equity research market
Research unbundling rules and the ETF boom have contributed to an environment where it is difficult to earn money with equity research. The result is that smaller companies have been left behind.
Communication failure
Part of the population has little trust in public institutions, including the European Central Bank. This is not good for democracy, and the ECB wants to improve its own communication. But putting financial knowledge on the school curriculum would also help.
Unable to escape Investment Banking
The Corporate Bank unit at Deutsche Bank faces challenges as the interest rate cycle turns. The Investment Bank division set the pace in the first quarter, pushing the stock price upwards.
A change of leadership in challenging times
New BASF CEO Markus Kamieth faces numerous challenges. He takes the helm in an economically difficult environment, which includes high energy costs in Germany.
German banks urge politicians to introduce reforms
Germany's commercial banks have called on the government to introduce extensive reforms to get the economy moving again. And they are pressing for a postponement to the introduction of Basel III.
Moving settlement to T+1 will mean higher costs
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.
Substance needed as well as marketplace clamour
The Bürgerbewegung Finanzwende has gained a respected advocate in cum-ex chief investigator Anne Brorhilker, who has announced her move to the NGO.