What is the current trend in European stock markets?

European stock markets opened with a generally positive sentiment, indicating a slight rise.

How is the Milan stock exchange performing?

The Milan stock exchange, specifically the FTSE MIB, is showing a modest increase, trading at 39,971 points with a gain of 0.51%.

What are the primary concerns weighing on European markets?

Markets are primarily concerned about uncertainty surrounding U.S. commercial policies, notably the potential for 30% duties on EU goods starting August 1st.

Are there any specific company performances worth noting in Milan?

Yes, companies like Stellantis are showing recovery, while Prysmian, Interpump, and STM are also experiencing positive movement. financial institutions such as Intesa Sanpaolo and UniCredit are also trading higher.

What is the impact of U.S. political commentary on market sentiment?

Rumors about potential changes in Federal reserve leadership, following criticism of interest rate management, are contributing to market unease.

How are energy sector stocks performing in Milan?

Major energy companies like Enel are showing slight gains, while Eni is experiencing a minor decline.

Tag:

expected

Business

Mortgage Rates Drop: ASB, Westpac, ANZ & BNZ Cut Rates – OCR Watch

by Priya Shah – Business Editor October 4, 2025

written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

ASB ⁣adn Westpac Join Rate Cut Trend, Lowering Fixed Mortgage Rates to 4.49%

homeowners and prospective buyers are seeing increased relief as ASB and Westpac have both announced cuts to their fixed mortgage rates, with one-year rates now ‍falling to 4.49%. this move follows similar reductions by ANZ and BNZ earlier this week, signaling a growing trend among major lenders ‌to ⁤lower borrowing costs.

The cuts come as ⁢the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) is expected‍ to further ease monetary policy in the⁤ coming months. With the Official Cash Rate (OCR) currently at 3%, down from 5.25% in August of⁢ last‍ year, economists predict at least two more rate reductions by March. These lower ⁣rates ⁣aim to stimulate a New ⁢Zealand economy that ⁣the RBNZ recently acknowledged has stalled in its recovery.

ASB reduced its one-year fixed rate by 26 basis points,with its six-month rate now at 4.95% and its two-year rate at 4.65%. According to ASB Executive General manager Adam Boyd,⁣ the cuts are “welcome news ‍to the thousands of households looking to refix their mortgages or begin their journey ‍towards home ownership this year.” Boyd added that their 18-month and 1-year terms⁤ now sit below 4.50%, ⁢offering “certainty in⁣ an economic landscape that continues to evolve.”

Westpac mirrored the 26 basis point drop on its ‌one-year⁢ fixed rate. Thay also lowered their six-month rate to 4.99% and their two-year rate to 4.65%. ANZ previously ⁢announced a one-year fixed rate of 4.49% on Wednesday, while BNZ matched that‌ rate on Tuesday. ANZ’s current rates also include 4.89% for a ⁤six-month fixed term and 4.65% for a two-year fixed term. BNZ advertises rates of 4.99% for six months, 4.49% for one year, and 4.75% for two years.

The RBNZ will ‌announce its next OCR decision on October 8.

October 4, 2025 0 comments

News

Marcos Halts Flood Control Budget, Launches Investigation

by Emma Walker – News Editor September 9, 2025

written by Emma Walker – News Editor

Marcos Orders Halt to Flood Control ⁢Funds, Launches Investigation into Decades of⁣ Alleged Corruption

President Ferdinand ⁤Marcos Jr. has ordered a halt to the‌ disbursement of funds for flood⁤ control projects and announced the formation of an independant⁢ commission to investigate allegations of widespread corruption within⁤ the Department⁢ of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).The move comes amid a growing investigation⁣ into irregularities‍ surrounding infrastructure projects spanning the last 21 years, dating back to 2003.

Marcos stated that the allegations reveal a deeply entrenched‌ system of ⁤corruption, “institutionalized” over two decades. He emphasized that the ⁤investigation will be thorough and will‌ spare no one, including political allies. “The truth has to come out,” he⁣ affirmed, adding that the ⁢focus will be on identifying and removing the “big fish” – influential individuals – responsible for the alleged irregularities. “If you don’t remove the players, you won’t be able to dismantle the‍ system,” he explained.

Concurrently, the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, now under the chairmanship of Senator Panfilo lacson⁣ following a recent leadership change, is preparing ⁤a “no-nonsense” and “receipt-based” investigation into⁤ the claims made by contractors Curlee and Sarah Discaya, who have alleged the involvement of lawmakers and officials in ⁢corrupt⁤ practices. lacson intends ⁢to verify all claims with supporting documentation, ‍stating he will not rely solely on ⁤testimonies. He⁣ plans to examine ⁢ledgers and vouchers detailing alleged payments to DPWH officials and legislators, and will be vigilant against potentially “selective” testimonies.⁢

The Senate investigation will build‌ upon ⁤the work of ‌the ⁤previous ⁣committee hearings on flood control projects. Lacson clarified that‍ the ⁤Blue Ribbon⁣ Committee’s work, conducted in aid of legislation, will not conflict with the independent commission formed by‌ Malacañang. He intends to share any evidence⁤ gathered during the Senate probe with ‌the commission to support potential prosecutions. He has already shared evidence from his first privilege speech with DPWH Secretary Vince dizon.‍

The President’s decision and the Senate’s investigation signal⁤ a commitment to addressing long-standing concerns about corruption within ⁣the DPWH and ensuring accountability in the use of public ‍funds for⁢ infrastructure projects.

September 9, 2025 0 comments

World

European bank shares hit highest levels since 2008 – The Irish Times

by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor August 3, 2025

written by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor

European Banks Surge to Decade Highs on Rate Hopes

Sector Recovers from “Pariah Status” Amidst Economic Optimism

Europe’s largest financial institutions are experiencing a significant upswing, reaching their loftiest valuations since the 2008 global financial crisis. This powerful rally is largely propelled by a sharp increase in long-term interest rates, which is translating into robust earnings for the sector.

Market Turnaround

Major players like HSBC have seen their London-listed shares reach unprecedented highs before releasing their latest results. Similarly, Barclays and Santander stocks have climbed to levels not seen since 2008, while Italy’s UniCredit touched a 2011 peak. This performance marks a dramatic reversal for a segment of the market long considered an underperformer.

“Europe’s banks have shifted from pariah status to market darlings.”

—Justin Bisseker, European Banks Analyst at Schroders

Justin Bisseker further explained that this transformation is due to a combination of factors: “higher interest rates” significantly impacting revenues, a generally favorable economic climate across the continent, and internal efforts by the banks to boost efficiency.

Investor Confidence Grows

Investors are increasingly drawn to European banking stocks, buoyed by growing economic confidence in the region and improved outlooks for loan portfolios. Additionally, the current valuations remain attractive compared to their US counterparts, such as JPMorgan Chase and Goldman Sachs, which trade at multiples of book value.

For instance, many European banks are only now returning to valuations at their book value. In contrast, JPMorgan Chase currently trades at 2.4 times its book value, and Goldman Sachs at double its book value, according to FactSet data. As noted by Luca Paolini, chief strategist at Pictet Asset Management, banks are “cheap and uniquely positioned for a pick-up in domestic demand.”

Factors Driving Profitability

The landscape shifted significantly after the COVID-19 pandemic. Central banks began raising interest rates to combat inflation and unwound extensive bond-buying programs. This led to a rapid rise in long-term interest rates; for example, the yield on 30-year German bonds is now 1.3 percentage points higher than two-year yields, a stark contrast to just two years ago when the differential was negative. A similar trend, with a gap exceeding 1.5 percentage points, is evident in the UK.

This widening yield gap has substantially boosted banks’ net interest income—the profit generated from lending activities versus the cost of deposits. This has been a primary driver of increased profitability. Banks with active trading desks have also benefited from market volatility spurred by recent geopolitical events.

Future Outlook and Challenges

The sustainability of this rally hinges on whether European banks can maintain momentum without the tailwind of rising long-term rates. While institutions have diversified into areas like wealth management to mitigate interest rate sensitivity, potential consolidation, such as mergers like BBVA’s bid for Sabadell or UniCredit’s interest in BPM, faces political hurdles that could limit sector growth.

“Banks appear the cleanest shirt in the basket, but there is a growing feeling the best may be past. Long-awaited sector consolidation is far from the catalyst that many analysts have hoped for.”

—Francesco Sandrini, Global Head of Multi-Asset Strategies at Amundi

Despite these caveats, European banks are still trading at a forward earnings multiple of 10, significantly lower than the over 13 times seen for their US peers, according to Bloomberg data. Return on tangible equity, a key profitability metric, now comfortably exceeds 10% for many European lenders.

Justin Bisseker of Schroders adds a positive note: “The good news is that European bank valuations remain discounted compared with banking sectors elsewhere in the world. Further convergence is likely.”

August 3, 2025 0 comments

World

Duties, Markets, Trump: Italy Stock Exchange News

by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor July 17, 2025

written by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor

European Markets Show Modest Gains Amid Trade Uncertainty

European stock markets opened with a generally positive sentiment, with Milan’s FTSE MIB index showing a slight rise. The benchmark index was trading at 39,971 points, up 0.51%.

This modest uptick occurs against a backdrop of significant market concerns. Investors are closely monitoring potential shifts in U.S. commercial policies, particularly the possibility of new tariffs.Specifically, there is apprehension regarding the implementation of 30% duties on European Union goods, which could take effect as early as August 1st.

July 17, 2025 0 comments

Sport

PSG vs. Chelsea: Club World Cup Final Result – Palmer, Pedro Lead Blues to Victory

by Alex Carter - Sports Editor July 13, 2025

written by Alex Carter - Sports Editor

Chelsea Stuns PSG to Clinch Club World Cup title

(Paolo Tomaselli) Paris Saint-Germain’s dreams of a fifth seasonal triumph were dashed as Chelsea, under the guidance of Enzo Maresca, delivered a masterful performance to secure the Club World Cup title. In a match played under the sweltering conditions of the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, chelsea’s tactical brilliance and clinical finishing proved too much for the French champions.

From the outset, Chelsea applied relentless high pressure, effectively closing down spaces and cutting off passing lanes. Their first-half display was described as a “masterpiece,” with Cole Palmer, living up to his “Cold” moniker, scoring twice with precise shots into the bottom right corner, exploiting speedy transitions. New signing Joao Pedro,who arrived from Brighton for €70 million,further extended Chelsea’s led with a delicate chip over Donnarumma,assisted by a sublime pass from Palmer.

While PSG had their moments, a crucial turning point arrived when Gonçalo Ramos, who had been ruthless against Inter in the champions League final, failed to convert a golden possibility. Instead of shooting, he opted to pass to Ousmane Dembélé, allowing Chelsea to swiftly counter-attack. Cole Palmer seized this chance, calmly slotting the ball past Donnarumma to put Chelsea ahead and ignite their celebrations.

This victory marks a significant achievement for Enzo Maresca in his first season at the helm, adding the Club World cup to Chelsea’s Champions League qualification and Conference Cup triumphs. While the perceived weight of the Club World Cup can vary, Chelsea’s dominant performance against a PSG side that had navigated a more challenging path underscores their exceptional form. Despite PSG’s ambition for a fifth trophy, Chelsea’s tactical discipline, relentless energy, and individual brilliance, even with the late expulsion of João Neves, ultimately dictated the outcome. The Parisian side, perhaps affected by the heat and fatigue, found themselves unable to cope with chelsea’s intensity and strategic execution.

What are your thoughts on Chelsea’s stunning victory? Did you expect them to dominate PSG in this manner? Share your opinions in the comments below! Don’t forget to subscribe to World-Today-news.com for more exclusive sports analysis and breaking news.

July 13, 2025 0 comments

Health

It’s time to get the new vaccines against covid and flu

by Chief editor of world-today-news.com September 28, 2024

written by Chief editor of world-today-news.com

Washington – Fall means it’s time for almost everyone to catch up on their flu and Covid-19 vaccines, and many older adults also need protection against another risky winter virus, RSV.

Yes, you can receive the flu and Covid-19 vaccines at the same time. Don’t call them boosters: They’re not just another dose of last year’s protection. Coronavirus and flu are escape artists, constantly mutating to evade the body’s immune defenses, so both vaccines are reformulated annually to target newer strains.

“Now is the best time” to get all recommended fall vaccines, said Dr. Mandy Cohen, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, while getting her flu shot Wednesday. You also have an appointment to receive your Covid-19 vaccine. It is “the most effective thing you can do to protect yourself, your family and your community.”

While not perfect, vaccines offer strong protection against getting a severe case of the flu or Covid-19 (or dying from it).

“It may not prevent all infections, but those infections will be less serious,” said Dr. Demetre Daskalakis of the CDC. “I would rather my grandmother or great-grandmother have a cold than have to go to the emergency room on Thanksgiving Day.”

The challenge: getting more Americans to get the vaccine. Last year, only 45 percent of adults got vaccinated against the flu and an even smaller percentage, 23 percent, got vaccinated against Covid-19. A survey released Wednesday by the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases shows that a similarly low number intend to get vaccinated this fall.

And the coronavirus killed more Americans than the flu last year.

“We may think it’s not going to be my turn, but let’s not take any chances,” said Dr. Michael Knight of George Washington University. “Why not get a vaccine that helps reduce that risk?”

Who needs to get vaccinated against covid-19 or the flu in the fall?

The CDC recommends that everyone over 6 months of age receive the updated Covid-19 vaccine and the annual flu vaccine. If you recently had Covid-19, you can wait two to three months, but you should still get the updated vaccine due to the expected increase in cases in winter.

Both viruses can be especially dangerous for certain groups, such as older people and those with weak immune systems and lung or heart diseases. Young children are also more vulnerable. The CDC counted 199 childhood flu deaths last year.

Pregnancy also increases the chances of contracting a serious illness such as Covid-19 or the flu, and vaccination protects the mother and also ensures that the newborn also has some protection.

What’s new in vaccines against covid-19?

Last fall’s vaccines targeted a strain of coronavirus that is no longer spreading, while this year’s are designed for a new section of the coronavirus family tree. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are formulated against a subtype of virus called KP.2, while the Novavax vaccine is directed against its original strain, JN.1. Daskalakis said they should all offer good cross-protection against other subtypes that are now spreading.

The Pfizer and Moderna mRNA vaccines can be used by adults and children 6 months and older. The Novavax vaccine is a more traditional protein vaccine combined with an immune booster and is open to anyone 12 years of age or older.

Which flu vaccine to choose?

There are high-dose vaccines and one with a special immune booster designed for people 65 and older, but if they can’t find one easily, they can choose a regular flu vaccine for all ages.

For those who do not inject any vaccines, FluMist nasal spray is available in pharmacies and clinics for children between 2 and 49 years old, although next year it will be available for home use.

All of this year’s flu vaccines will protect against two strains of flu type A and one strain of flu type B. Another form of flu type B, once common, stopped spreading a few years ago and was removed from the vaccine.

What about the other virus, RSV?

RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, is a cold-like nuisance for most people, but it also fills hospitals each winter and can be deadly for children under 5, the elderly, and people with certain high-risk health problems. risk.

The CDC recommends RSV vaccination for everyone age 75 and older and for people ages 60 to 74 who are at higher risk. It is a one-time vaccine, not an annual one, but only 24 percent of seniors received it last year. It is also recommended in late pregnancy to protect babies born during the fall and winter.

And while “your arm may hurt and you may feel sick for a day,” it’s also okay to get RSV, flu and Covid-19 vaccines at the same time, Daskalakis said.

How much will it cost?

Vaccines are supposed to be free under Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance plans if people use an in-network provider.

Last year, about 1.5 million uninsured adults received free Covid-19 vaccines through a federal program, but that program has since ended. Instead, the CDC is providing $62 million to health departments to help improve access, and states and big cities are starting to put their plans into action.

Call your local health department to ask about options because, in many areas, “vaccine availability at lower or no cost is expected to begin to appear in the coming weeks,” Dr. Raynard Washington advised. who heads the health department of Mecklenburg County, North Carolina.

September 28, 2024 0 comments

Newer Posts

Older Posts