English | Financial news with a German perspective

SAP founder Hasso Plattner's unsuccessful transition among tech icons is not unique. However, there are those who have handled it more effectively.

Following the upcoming local elections in eastern Germany, many AfD politicians will join supervisory boards at savings banks.

Heiner Herkenhoff, CEO of the Association of German Banks, says that Germans need to overcome their fear of investing in stocks if they want to make adequate old age provision.

German Savings Banks Association President Ulrich Reuter wants to see a more confident approach from politicians on economic issues. And in areas such as the housing shortage, he sees an important role for the banks alongside political initiatives.

The German government is supporting demands from the real estate industry to make adjustments to ESG regulations. The recently introduced Green Asset Ratio is particularly in need of reform.

While the young struggle with financial skills, older people exhibit self-confidence. A study from Schufa breaks down survey results for six age groups.

The plan for Daniel Křetínský to acquire a 20% stake in the Thyssenkrupp steel division represents a historic moment for the company. The supervisory board is facing a momentous decision.

Stefan Lettmeier at V-Bank believes that blockchain infrastructure will replace the traditional securities business in the long term. V-Bank is an early mover with a BaFin licence.

Private equity is opening up to retail investors. The new Eltif funds give access via small amounts starting at 10,000 euros. The first funds from the asset managers Liqid and Partners Group are now being launched.

The proportion of women on the supervisory boards of DAX companies has risen to just under 40% this year. In two companies they are even in the majority. In contrast, boards are not getting any more international.

Data centres are currently mainly financed by private equity and specialised infrastructure investors. But real estate asset managers are now beginning to invest billions in the fast growing sector,

The green transformation of the German electricity system has gained new momentum. However, this is not yet sufficient to meet the energy and climate targets for 2030.

LBBW is expanding its Private Markets business, and has recruited a nine member team from Hauck Aufhäuser Lampe.

Construction has already begun in Berlin on what is being touted as the world's largest fan mile. What sort of economic payoff these multimillion euro investments for the UEFA European Football Championship remains to be seen.

Leipzig based economist Gunther Schnabl argues that German mistrust of market mechanisms, and politicians' tendency to increase bureaucracy, are holding back economic growth.

Anthos Fund & Asset Management CEO Jacco Maters sets out the firm's plans to gain a foothold in the German market. Anthos is part of Cofra Holding, which is backed by the Dutch Brenninkmeijer family.

The Bank of England recently opted to keep its benchmark interest rate unchanged. Nevertheless, it adjusted its inflation forecasts downward, and there are now two doves on the Monetary Policy Committee, one more than the previous meeting.

Thin net interest margins are evidently burdening China's banks. And problems with bad loans might not be fully showing up in official figures.

Bundesbank board member Burkhard Balz sees opportunities for new business models for banks and companies based on digital central bank money.

The European Parliament has not only emancipated itself from the European Commission in recent years, but also from the European Council.

Christian and Social Democrats are facing slight losses in the European elections, while Greens and Liberals might experience significant setbacks. On the other hand, the right-wing bloc could see gains. These developments collectively contribute to the increased complexity of legislation in Europe.

What to choose in the European elections? The "Party of Reason" or the "Party of Progress"? Or the "Voice of the Last Generation"? Definitely red? Or black? Beware: Europe's colour spectrum is different from that of the Federal Republic.

India is holding elections in the coming weeks. Franklin Templeton equity strategist Claus Born discusses the country's economic strengths, and the outlook for the stock market.

Around half of all German family businesses will be undergoing a generational change in the next three years. The Allbright Foundation is calling on companies to take this opportunity to make their top management more diverse.