No, not at all! The German economy is in the doldrums. The country’s very important automotive industry is having a very hard time coping with intense Chinese competition (in China and in Europe) and weaker overall auto demand. The German machinery industry also suffers from weak Chinese demand, while the latter country was the single most important source of growth in this ind ...

This week, the U.S. inflation data for September was released, showing that headline inflation slowed to 2.4% year-on-year, down from 2.5% in August. The small deceleration was driven by a decline in gasoline prices and a moderation in housing costs. However, core inflation—which excludes the volatile food and energy categories—ticked up slightly to 3.3%, from 3.2% the previous ...

In today’s energy landscape, it's crucial to differentiate between energy and electricity, as their roles in final energy demand vary significantly. Energy encompasses all forms of fuel and power used across sectors, such as gasoline for cars or natural gas for heating. Electricity, a subset of energy, powers technologies like lighting, heat pumps, and electric vehicles (EVs). ...

Last month, inflation in the Euro Area fell to its lowest level since June 2021, more than three years ago. Headline inflation dropped to 1.8% in September, below the ECB’s 2% target. Lower-than-expected energy prices helped push inflation down. However, price increases in services have proven stubbornly sticky, with services prices still rising by 4% year-on-year in September. ...

In Swiss Verbier, those born in 1945 or earlier ski for free. This perk, also offered at other resorts, reflects the reality that few octogenarians are eager to brave the slopes. The risks of age-related injuries, such as fractures or paralysis, are often too high—or are they? Due to lifestyle choices, some people age faster than others. Thanks to a healthy diet, regular exerci ...

As we continue to provide economic advice with a focus on climate, energy, and innovation, hydrogen has emerged as a key player in this triad. It is vital for a company like ours to remain well-informed on the latest developments in this sector. Hence, Econopolis attended the World Hydrogen Week 2024 (World Hydrogen Congress and World Hydrogen Derivatives) in Copenhagen on the ...

Catch this article in audio format here   Nike reported its fiscal 2025 first-quarter results, showing an earnings beat but falling short on revenue expectations. The company continues to struggle with declining sales amid rising competition, and its stock fell sharply following the announcement.    Key Financial Highlights Earnings: 70 dollarcents per share, surpassing ...

What a week it’s been for China! After the People’s Bank of China (PBOC) announced substantial monetary easing plans, the Politburo on Thursday followed up with promises of strong fiscal policy measures aimed at reviving the Chinese economy. After years of making only small supportive adjustments, it seems they are now bringing a bazooka to the table. Could this be China’s ‘Wha ...

Global carbon pricing: moving from fragmented policies to a unified framework As the world struggles with the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, carbon pricing has emerged as a crucial strategy to drive decarbonization. By putting a price on carbon emissions, these mechanisms incentivize businesses to lower their carbon footprint. A carbon tax imposes a specific c ...

New ESMA Guidelines and the Evolution of Sustainable Finance In May 2024, the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) released its final guidelines on the use of ESG and sustainability-related terms in fund names. These guidelines mark a significant step towards increasing transparency and protecting investors from greenwashing. The updated regulations impose stricter ...