English

Catherine Lafferty

Economy

Switzerland weighs up billionaire tax to help fight climate crisis

Switzerland, known as a haven for the super rich, will soon vote on whether to introduce a steep inheritance tax.

Business

Nestlé sticks with water branding as French court rejects legal case

A court has ruled in favour of Nestlé’s Perrier after a French consumer group claimed the company mislabelled its natural mineral water.

Economy

Energy fuels geopolitical tensions as prices remain calm

The IEA warns of fragile grids, chokepoint minerals and a nuclear revival — while political will is the scarcest fuel.

Markets

European shares hit record highs on US shutdown progress

European stocks rallied to new record highs as optimism grew over a US government shutdown resolution and strong corporate earnings. Gains were led by healthcare and luxury sectors, while UK bond yields rose amid political uncertainties. Currency and commodity markets showed mixed signals.

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Business

Markets exhale as Novo Nordisk withdraws from Metsera bidding war

Equity markets delivered a mixed response after Pfizer won the bidding war for anti-obesity drugmaker Metsera, as Metsera’s shares slipped but Novo Nordisk’s stock rose on news it was bowing out of the race.

Business

SoftBank ditches Nvidia in favour of deeper dive into AI

SoftBank has exited Nvidia for about €5.4bn and, after reporting a €14bn quarterly profit, said it will redirect capital into AI investments.

Economy

France considers €2 fast-fashion import tax as EU drags its feet

The French parliament will debate a €2 fast-fashion import tax this week that will enter into force next year, as similar EU levy faces possible delays until 2028. The parliament could impose an additional €5 environmental levy on budget retailers down the line.

Markets

Markets surge amid hopes of end to US government shutdown

Markets began the week in buoyant mood following news of a possible end to the longest US government shutdown in history.

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