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Economy

China’s manufacturing drops to a 16-month low as Trump’s tariffs bite

China’s factory activity in April fell to its lowest level since December 2023 as US tariffs weighed on business sentiment. Analysts noted that importers have now adopted a “wait-and-see” approach after Chinese manufacturers rushed to complete orders in March.

Markets

Markets this week: Tesla, Microsoft and Alphabet earnings in focus

Investors will closely watch the trajectory of global business activity in the manufacturing and services sectors this week. Meanwhile, major US tech companies—including Tesla, Microsoft, and Alphabet—are set to report first-quarter earnings, driving the market movements.

Economy

BOJ survey says big manufacturers are gloomier as Trump tariffs loom

Japan is home to major auto and electronics firms, whose exports to the US are a major driver for the Japanese economy.

Economy

Eurozone business activity rises as Germany’s manufacturing rebounds

Eurozone business activity expanded for a third straight month in March, driven by a rebound in German manufacturing and easing inflation pressures, offering early signs of a more sustained recovery.

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Economy

The UK economy unexpectedly contracts in January in setback for state

The British economy shrank in the first month of 2025 compared with December, driven by a decline in production.

Markets

Rolls-Royce shares soar as jet maker announces buyback, fresh dividend

Performance had significantly improved in all core divisions, the British jet engine firm revealed in its annual financial report.

Business

Luxury carmaker Aston Martin to cut 170 jobs after another annual loss

Job losses are expected to save Aston Martin £25 million as it struggles with supply chain disruptions, inefficiencies, and weak Chinese demand.

Economy

Manufacturing sector in France sees lowest fall since May 2024

Although France’s manufacturing sector suffered in February, the UK’s services sector saw growth this month, with Germany’s manufacturing PMI hitting its highest reading in 24 months as well.

Business

Thyssenkrupp announces lower sales as shake-up plans proceed

Earnings increased despite weaker sales, thanks to the German firm’s efficiency drive. Meanwhile, Thyssenkrupp’s military-related units expect a boost from greater defence spending.

Economy

Eurozone firms see activity lift but barriers to growth persist

Business activity in the eurozone is now expanding for the first time since August 2024, although the upturn remains modest.

Eco-Innovation

What does China’s EV dominance mean for Europe and the environment?

China’s EV boom offers climate hope, but market dominance risks new environmental challenges.

Business

Can Germany's improving financial sentiment beat business pessimism?

Financial experts are more optimistic about Germany’s economy as the ZEW index rebounded more than expected in December, its highest in four months, driven by ECB rate cut prospects and snap elections. Yet, the ifo survey shows businesses remain far more pessimistic about 2025.

Economy

Germany's business climate at near 4-year low as 2025 outlook darkens

A pessimistic outlook towards 2025 is gripping key sectors, with structural challenges and weak investment driving prolonged stagnation concerns for Europe's largest economy.

Business

Plant closures and job cuts: Volkswagen resumes talks with unions

Management and unions at Volkswagen have yet to find common ground in talks concerning the German car maker's proposal on possible job cuts and plant closures. Workers took strike action on Monday.

Economy

Spain's manufacturing growth for November hit by Valencia flooding

Although manufacturing growth in Spain rose at a slower rate in November because of flooding, it was still above the key 50 level. Turkish manufacturing demand inched up but German and French figures failed to offer seasonal cheer.

Economy

Swiss GDP grows underwhelmingly as manufacturing remains weak

The Swiss economy is expanding slowly, buoyed by trade but hit by weak manufacturing figures.

Markets

European auto stocks slide as investors consider Trump tariffs threat

European automakers took a share price hit on Tuesday after Donald Trump threatened sweeping tariffs on China, Mexico and Canada.

Business

Auto industry shift to EVs expected to go on despite Trump tax threats

The auto industry's shift to EVs is expected to go on despite Donald Trump's threat to kill tax credits.

Business

German auto technology supplier Bosch to cut thousands of jobs

German auto technology supplier Bosch to cut thousands of jobs, citing stagnant demand for cars and new technology.

Business

Stellantis recalls Jeep and Dodge SUVs to fix computer safety problem

Stellantis is recalling about 207,000 Jeep and Dodge SUVs in the US to fix a computer problem that can disable the anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control safety features.