Germany

Germany is unprepared for the challenges of the return of US President Trump. The traffic light coalition is falling apart, and the opposition is initially engaged in scoring points, rather than finding solutions to Germany's problems.

The markets are confident that Unicredit will successfully acquire Commerzbank. The move would bring almost nothing but benefits for the Italians. But the German side should make some clear demands.

The Munich-based start-up Proxima Fusion wants to realise mankind's dream of a clean and virtually inexhaustible source of energy through nuclear fusion. CEO and co-founder Francesco Sciortino sees the technology as an opportunity for Germany. However, there needs to be less polarisation on energy issues in this country.

Reducing critical dependencies on China has proven to be very challenging. Western companies still need cost-effective sourcing, and sales revenues from the Chinese market.

Bosch CEO Stefan Hartung remains optimistic about Germany as a business location, in spite of current challenges. And he views the United States as underrepresented in the Bosch portfolio.

The German government aimed to accelerate the energy transition with the acquisition of the domestic power transmission network operated by Tennet. But the Dutch state owned company has pulled out of negotiations, and is seeking a listing or private equity sale.

A country comparison by the Center for European Economic Research (ZEW) concludes that bureaucracy and over regulation are stifling growth and making Germany an unattractive business location.

With the renaming of the Passive Safety Systems division to ZF Lifetec, ZF is setting a course towards a potential sale, partial sale, or IPO. But CFO Michael Frick says there is no time pressure, and sets out some basic requirements for a deal.

The IMF is warning of a subsidy war in the global chip industry. This could be particularly bad for Germany, as its two prestige projects with Intel and TSMC illustrate.

For too long, the German coalition, in its subliminal anti-capitalist reflex, has brushed aside the warnings of the economy about loss of competitiveness. This is now taking its revenge - and a comprehensive rescue plan is needed.

The governing parties were pleased with Pension Package II because they were able to reward their base with symbolic successes. However, the pension system has by no means become more stable as a result. Because painful issues were left out.

The IPOs of Douglas and Galderma are hoped to mark the start of a comeback for IPOs. If this is to succeed, however, it will require substantial discounts on the valuation of the competitors already listed.

A study shows: German banks are struggling with a lack of success of their smartphone services. Why can't they reach their customers better?

Like Douglas, many other IPO candidates come from private equity and are highly indebted. In order for IPOs to be well received by investors, debt must be reduced. More than three times the operating profit is no longer accepted.

Germany has surpassed Japan in GDP statistics, but the change in ranking is deceptive. Both countries are facing a recession. But while the debate over the appropriate response continues here, action is being taken in Japan.

Federal Minister of Finance Christian Lindner (FDP) discussed the aftermath of Brexit with entrepreneurs and financial market representatives in London. He sees a need for reforms in Germany.

German companies are increasingly becoming digitally dependent, particularly on the United States and China. Bitkom calls for increased investments in "key technologies with leverage effect."

The future acknowledgment of cash as a payment method in Germany is not assured. Nevertheless, it is crucial for society to maintain analog payments in a digitized world.

Germany is failing in every possible way: inadequate market measures, excessive central planning and bureaucracy, escalating social costs, deteriorating infrastructure, rising energy prices, and a diminishing appeal for highly skilled individuals. Yet, Berlin remains committed to the misguided path.

While banks in France, Spain, and Italy experienced a significant number of closures years ago, the consolidation trend in Germany started later. Currently, the reduction of banks in Germany is more substantial than in the entire Eurozone.

Germany is running out of labour. This jeopardises the business location. There are several levers that promise relief.

As a centre of research for the chemical industry, Germany is in danger of losing out. There are many reasons for this.

The German automotive industry had a relatively good year. But there are deficits, particularly evident in China.

During the Cold War, the Bundesbank discreetly stored almost 15 billion Deutsche Marks in cash within a Cochem bunker. In the event of an emergency, these funds could have replaced existing banknotes. Since 2016, the facility has been transformed into a museum.