Markets (Economics)
Oil prices have climbed to a 13-year high, exceeding $40 per barrel, as concerns over supply disruption in the Middle East and record demand drive the market. The International Energy Agency (IEA) has warned of a significant increase in oil demand, prompting calls for further investment in oil exploration and
Markets (Economics)
The European Union has given China five days to abolish its contentious export restrictions on coking coal, a key raw material for steelmaking, or face a World Trade Organization (WTO) challenge. The ultimatum comes as the Commission, led by Trade Commissioner Pascal Lamy, has repeatedly warned China that the restrictions
Stocks
Roche chairman Franz Humer appears to be basking in the glow of a remarkable turnaround. After facing a potential implosion just three years ago, the Swiss healthcare group has seen its fortunes dramatically shift. According to recent market trends, Roche's share price has rallied, placing it at a
Stocks
Norwegian yellow pages publisher Findexa has announced plans to list on the Oslo Stock Exchange through a NKr3.1bn initial public offering. The company, which holds nearly 97% of the Norwegian printed directories market, aims to pay dividends of up to 10.4% to its shareholders. This strategy is made
Markets (Economics)
Trade officials and agricultural experts warn that a World Trade Organisation (WTO) ruling condemning US subsidies to cotton producers could have far-reaching implications for global trade, forcing advanced countries to re-examine their agricultural subsidies and potentially leading to deeper cuts in subsidies as part of the Doha round negotiations. The
Markets (Economics)
As Central Europe readies for its membership in the European Union, the region's fuel markets have undergone significant transformations over the past 15 years, attracting the attention of global operators. Despite EU entry, leading companies in the region, such as Hungary's Mol and Poland's
Markets (Economics)
Skandia, a leading Swedish financial services group, is grappling with the fallout from reports that its senior executives received lavish bonuses totaling over SKr4bn (approximately $520m) during the company's heady growth period between 1997 and 2000. The bulk of these payments were made in the late 1990s, coinciding
Markets (Economics)
The world's attention is turned to the US economy this week, with the Federal Reserve chairman, Alan Greenspan, set to testify in Congress on Wednesday. The market is eagerly awaiting his assessment of the nation's economic recovery, following strong US March payrolls and inflation data. Market
Stocks
Wall Street's enthusiasm for biotechnology initial public offerings (IPOs) appears to be waning, despite the sector's potential for revolutionary healthcare breakthroughs. The number of biotech IPOs has slowed this year, with a total of seven deals raising $948.9 million, nearly one-third of the IPO schedule
Stocks
Ebookers, a leading online travel group, reported its first-ever adjusted profit yesterday, but the company's shares took a hit, declining by nearly a quarter of their value. The company's pre-tax losses were £14.9m, but the adjusted profit of £1.3m was below expectations. The group&
Markets (Economics)
The US and global stock market is likely to be plagued by uncertainties for the remainder of the year due to the intertwined factors of terrorism, taxation, and traders. The recent Madrid bombings and potential for future similar attacks have instilled fear, causing investors to be cautious. Additionally, Gordon Brown&
Markets (Economics)
The news of a possible al-Qaeda link to Thursday's train bombings in Madrid sent shockwaves through global financial markets on Friday, leading to a broad decline in stock prices and a surge in safe-haven investments. The Spanish market, which bore the brunt of the selling, lost 4.2%
