English | Financial news with a German perspective
Reports, insights, analyses and opinions on Europe's biggest financial market.
Google is in search mode
The Google cash cow of Alphabet is synonymous with internet search. Generative AI is poised to revolutionise a vast market, but convincing business models are still lacking.
„We need to take care of ourselves first“
High-risk deals have resulted in big losses at VR-Bank Bad Salzungen Schmalkalden. Under a guarantee umbrella, BaFin's special commissioner Christian Gervais is advancing the restructuring of the "Effenberg Bank".
German structured products market continues to grow
The latest quarterly statistics from the Bundesverband für Strukturierte Wertpapiere (BSW) show that the structured products market continues to boom in Germany.
Investors from Berlin's startup scene launch LGBTQ+ fund
Berlin based Identity.vc has launched a fund investing in startups with founders from the LGBTQ+ community. The 50 million euro fund recently announced its first closing.
Another ECB rate cut in July would be inappropriate
The ECB's rate cut in early June was appropriate. But following it with another one in July would be a mistake.
„The ECB's interest rate cut was premature“
Commerzbank's Chief Economist Jörg Krämer believes that the ECB's recent interest rate cut is likely to prove to have been a mistake.
ECB weighs up next interest rate move
Financial markets had already priced in the 6 June interest rate adjustment. The ECB must now weigh up its next move.
Colourful mix of runners for the J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge
The J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge in Frankfurt attracted 60,000 runners in colourful outfits to the longest banana stand in Germany. Cheerleading squads and drummers added to the festive atmosphere.
Customers should be able to choose ID procedures for online financial transactions
The update on video identification procedures proposed by the Ministry of Finance is being hotly debated in the industry. In an interview with Börsen-Zeitung, IDNow CTO Armin Bauer explains the strengths and weaknesses of the draft proposal.
„Harmonisation is key“
CDP aims to make it easier for companies to comply with all ESG reporting standards with a single data submission. CEO Sherry Madera closely collaborates with standard setters such as ISSB and Efrag.
Only half the population could envisage using the digital euro
A recent survey commissioned by the Bundesbank shows that knowledge about the planned digital euro is still poor among the German population.
The digital euro and EPI should go hand-in-hand
Only a joint solution between the ECB and the private financial sector can result in a compelling European payment product. In order to strengthen European sovereignty in digital payment solutions the digital euro and the EPI need to work together closely.
EU struggles to categorise sustainability funds
The revision of the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation is just around the corner. The industry is heavily critical of current fund categories.
„The ESG component enables a reduction in interest rates“
Hornbach has made a good start into the new financial year. Karin Dohm, CFO of the Hornbach Group, discusses the ESG component included in the holding company's syndicated loan facility.
Momentum slowing for truck manufacturers
Demand for heavy trucks has weakened in Europe. Manufacturers also expect a decline in sales in North America this year. Nevertheless, they remain confident, having made efficiency gains on their production lines.
Founders of innovative companies should be able to retain control
MEP René Repasi from the SPD wants to see an acceleration of Capital Markets Union. And he would also like to see the introduction of a new type of corporate legal framework, to promote innovation.
„Wearable devices are the next milestone“
Catherine Tennyson from Axa Investment Managers sees increasing opportunities for investors in the fast growing mental health area.
Hoping for a second summer fairy tale
The European Football Championship is even more important than the Olympics for Adidas. And economists point to a potential positive impact on consumer sentiment.
SAP aspires to become the business sector equivalent of Apple
SAP is paying 1.5 billion dollars for a company that supports customers' digital transformation. Just offering software is not enough in today's fast changing world.
Sporting goods and services providers looking for top performance
Over the past ten years, sales of sporting and camping goods, as well as services providers such as fitness studios, have outpaced growth in other segments of the economy.
Bettina Storck joins the Sustainable Finance Advisory Committee
Bettina Storck is the new member of the German government's Sustainable Finance Advisory Committee. The long-standing Head of ESG at Commerzbank replaces Nicolaus Heinen, who has moved from Deutsche Börse to the Ministry of Finance.
Philipp Schröder thinking big with 1Komma5°
Managed by co-founder Philipp Schröder for around three years, the Hamburg-based start-up 1Komma5° has already become a unicorn. The CEO has ambitious growth plans.
Telekom share sale proceeds to be spent on Deutsche Bahn
The proceeds of the latest sale by KfW of a package of Deutsche Telekom shares will be used to prop up Deutsche Bahn.
No white knight for OQ Chemicals
The future of OQ Chemicals remains undecided. Private equity firm Advent was negotiating with creditors to acquire the company, but the talks fell through.