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☆ Germany's Fresenius to simplify structure, flags potential profit fall
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-21 | by ( Ludwig Burger | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/2] Samples of products of Fresenius and Fresenius Medical Care are on display during the company's annual news conference at their head quarters in Bad Homburg Germany, February 20, 2019. "The new structure will greatly benefit both companies: Fresenius Medical Care needs an operational turnaround, to improve its performance and focus on its core business." "Fresenius needs to simplify its complex corporate structures and commit to its Operating Companies and to maximizing value from its investments," Sen said. FMC is expected to hold an extraordinary general meeting in July to let shareholders vote on the proposed change of the legal form, Fresenius said. Frankfurt-listed shares of Fresenius and FMC were up 1% and 2.2%, respectively.

☆ Stocks up, yields dip after U.S. data with Fed eyed
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-31 | by ( Chuck Mikolajczak | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Other data showed consumer confidence eased in January, with inflation expectations over the next twelve months climbing to 6.8% from 6.6% last month. Investors will also closely monitor comments from Fed Chair Jerome Powell following the announcement for clues on the path of monetary policy. Markets will also grapple with a host of U.S. economic data this week, culminating in Friday's payrolls report for January. Economic data for the euro zone showed slight growth for the fourth quarter, but further weakness is expected this year. The pan-European STOXX 600 index (.STOXX) lost 0.22% and MSCI's gauge of stocks across the globe (.MIWD00000PUS) gained 0.20%.

☆ McDonald's sales surge, warns short-term inflation to persist
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-31 | by ( Hilary Russ | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/2] A huge advertisement for a branch of fast-food giant McDonald's is seen on the outskirts of Berlin, Germany, April 22, 2016. The burger chain's global same-store sales increased 12.6% in the fourth quarter ended Dec. 31, compared with estimates for an 8.6% rise, according to IBES data from Refinitiv. That is compared to a 0.6% decline for fast food overall in the fourth quarter over the previous year. Visits to some other fast-food chains started to fall last summer as they hiked menu prices, he said. McDonald's U.S. comparable sales rose 10.3% in the quarter.

Interest rate announcements are also due on Thursday from the Bank of England and the European Central Bank - and both are expected to hike rates by 50 bps. Equity markets may have factored in the end of central bank rate hikes, but they do not yet reflect the potential hit to earnings from a slowing economy, Schneller said. U.S. stock futures, the S&P 500 e-minis , were down 0.3%. read moreU.S. stock futures fell, pointing to a lower open for the benchmark indices following Monday's losses. U.S. Treasury yields edged lower ahead of the central bank meetings and economic data, with the benchmark 10-year note last down 3 basis points at 3.524% .

☆ Italy, Lufthansa sign letter of intent over ITA minority stake sale
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-27 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/3] Planes of German air carrier Lufthansa are parked as Lufthansa pilots start a strike over a wage dispute, at the airport in Frankfurt, Germany September 2, 2022. REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach/File PhotoROME, Jan 27 (Reuters) - Italy's Treasury on Friday said it had signed a letter of intent with Lufthansa (LHAG.DE) over the sale of a minority stake in state-owned airline ITA Airways, paving the way for negotiations with German carrier. Last week, Lufthansa offered to buy a minority stake in the loss-making successor of Italy's Alitalia, saying Italy was a prominent market both for business travellers and tourists. Lufthansa said on Friday it had signed the letter of intent with the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance and ITA Airways. The new right-wing administration in Rome passed a decree in December to initially sell a minority stake through capital increases, to speed up a full divestment in ITA.

☆ Morning Bid: Stumbling away
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-27 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/2] A general view shows the trading floor at the stock exchange reflected in a window of the visitors terrace in Frankfurt, Germany October 2, 2017. Reuters GraphicsIn contrast, European chipmaker STMicroelectronics cited strong demand from automotive and industrial customers on Thursday as it beat earnings and sales targets. Reuters GraphicsBefore next week's central bank meetings (that's Fed, ECB and BOE on the deck) take all of investors' attention, the focus on Friday will be on the Fed's preferred inflation gauge, the personal consumption expenditures (PCE) data. The core PCE price index is expected to rise 0.3% in December, according to Reuters poll of economists. Key developments that could influence markets on Friday:Economic events: Sweden unemployment rate for December, Spain Q4 GDP data and core U.S. PCE dataReporting by Ankur Banerjee; Editing by Kim CoghillOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ German business morale brightens further in January - Ifo
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-25 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach/File PhotoBERLIN, Jan 25 (Reuters) - German business morale brightened in January as Europe's largest economy started the new year with easing inflation and an improved outlook, a survey said on Wednesday. The Ifo institute said its business climate index rose to 90.2, in line with consensus according to a Reuters poll of analysts and up from a reading of 88.6 in December. "The German economy is starting the new year with more confidence," Ifo's president Clemens Fuest said. The increase is driven by considerably less pessimistic expectations, while companies were, however, somewhat less satisfied with their current situation, Ifo said. "The Ifo business climate has recovered significantly for the third time in a row as the easing on the gas market further diminished companies' fears of a severe recession," Commerzbank's chief economist Joerg Kraemer said.

☆ German consumer sentiment consolidates upward trajectory -GfK
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-24 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach/File PhotoBERLIN, Jan 24 (Reuters) - German consumer sentiment is set to improve for a fourth consecutive month in February as energy prices fall, a GfK institute survey showed on Tuesday. The institute said its consumer sentiment index rose to -33.9 heading into February from a revised reading of -37.6 in January, but was slightly below forecasts from analysts polled by Reuters of -33.0. "Falling energy prices, such as for gasoline and heating oil, have ensured that consumer sentiment is less gloomy," said GfK consumer expert Rolf Buerkl. Among the three sub-indices, income expectations posted a noticeable increase in January and economic expectations climbed to pre-war levels. According to GfK, a one-point change in the indicator corresponds to a year-on-year change of 0.1% in private consumption.

☆ Stocks, euro gain as Fed, ECB rate hike outlooks diverge
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-23 | by ( Herbert Lash | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

[1/3] A new 100-euro banknote is presented at the ECB headquarters in Frankfurt, Germany, September 17, 2018. In Europe, technology firms also spearheaded gains as optimism about Europe likely avoiding a steep recession overshadowed recent hawkish remarks from ECB officials. Investors are waiting for euro zone and U.S. flash PMI data on Tuesday, which are expected to show less severe economic contractions than the previous month, according to analysts polled by Reuters. The difference in expectations for Fed and ECB policy led the euro to hit $1.0927 as it climbs from a two-decade low of $0.953 set in September. Euro zone bonds were little changed, with the benchmark 10-year German yield at 2.209% .

Lufthansa has offered to buy an initial minority stake in ITA, Italy's state-owned successor to Alitalia, it said on Wednesday. "This may be the next step in European airline consolidation," said Bernstein analyst Alex Irving, citing Portugal's national airline, TAP, as a prime target. Lufthansa, Air-France KLM (AIRF.PA) and British Airways owner IAG (ICAG.L) are potential buyers, analysts said. "At the same time, however, we closely monitor consolidation in the European airline market." Michael O'Leary, the outspoken CEO of fellow low-cost airline Ryanair (RYA.I), also weighed in with his predictions this week.

[1/2] FILE PHOTO-Planes of German air carrier Lufthansa are parked as Lufthansa pilots start a strike over a wage dispute, at the airport in Frankfurt, Germany, September 2, 2022. REUTERS/Kai PfaffenbachROME/FRANKFURT, Jan 18 (Reuters) - German carrier Lufthansa (LHAG.DE) said on Wednesday it had offered to buy an minority stake in ITA Airways, betting on reviving the loss-making successor to Italy's Alitalia and expanding its footprint in Europe. One of the sources said it was valued at 200-300 million euros ($540 million). The new right-wing administration in Rome passed a decree in December to initially sell a minority stake through capital increases, in order to speed up a full divestment in ITA. "Acquiring ITA is one of the most challenging propositions in European aviation: the airline has been persistently loss-making," said Bernstein analyst Alex Irving.

[1/2] FILE PHOTO-Planes of German air carrier Lufthansa are parked as Lufthansa pilots start a strike over a wage dispute, at the airport in Frankfurt, Germany, September 2, 2022. REUTERS/Kai PfaffenbachBERLIN/ROME, Jan 18 (Reuters) - German carrier Lufthansa (LHAG.DE) said on Wednesday it had offered to buy an initial minority stake in ITA Airways, Italy's state-owned successor to Alitalia. Lufthansa said Italy is the most important market outside of its existing home markets and the United States, noting its prominence as both a business and tourism destination. The move comes after the new right-wing administration in Rome passed a decree in December to initially sell a minority stake through capital increases, in order to speed up a full divestment in ITA. Beside its domestic German business, Lufthansa already operates the brands Swiss, Austrian Airlines and Brussels Airlines.

☆ Messi headlines shortlist for FIFA Best Men's Player award
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-12 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Messi, along with his Paris St Germain team mate Kylian Mbappe and Manchester City's Erling Haaland, were among the 14 players shortlisted for The Best FIFA Men's Player award, the world governing body said on Thursday. Real Madrid's Karim Benzema, who won the 2022 Ballon d'Or award, is also in the shortlist. Sarina Wiegman, who led England to last year's European Championship title, is joined on The Best FIFA Women's Coach shortlist by Chelsea's Emma Hayes and Germany manager Martina Voss-Tecklenburg. Liverpool's Alisson Becker, Real Madrid's Thibaut Courtois and Aston Villa's Martinez are among the nominees for The Best FIFA Men's Goalkeeper award. FIFA also announced an 11-player shortlist for this year's Puskas Award for the "most beautiful" goal of the year, with Mbappe's spectacular volley against Argentina in the World Cup final among the nominees.

☆ Goldman Sachs no longer expects recession in euro zone in 2023
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-10 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/2] The euro sign is photographed in front of the former head quarter of the European Central Bank in Frankfurt, Germany, April 9, 2019. REUTERS/Kai PfaffenbachJan 10 (Reuters) - Goldman Sachs said on Tuesday it expects the euro zone economy to grow by 0.6% this year, compared with its previous forecast of a contraction, thanks to a fall in natural gas prices and the reopening of China's borders. Euro zone inflation is expected to be around 3.25% at the end of 2023 compared with 4.50% forecast earlier, the economists said. In December, consumer price growth across euro zone slowed to 9.2% from 10.1% a month earlier, Eurostat data showed last week. For the UK, Goldman sees a smaller contraction of 0.7% in GDP, compared with an earlier expectation for it to shrink by 1%, helped by lower wholesale gas prices.

[1/12] Pope Francis attends the funeral of former Pope Benedict in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, January 5, 2023. REUTERS/Kai PfaffenbachSummary Pope Francis presides at funeral of his predecessorBenedict wanted simple funeral, Vatican saysEx-pope was standard-bearer for traditionalist CatholicsPope Benedict to be buried under St. Peter's BasilicaVATICAN CITY, Jan 5 (Reuters) - Pope Francis presided at the funeral of former Pope Benedict on Thursday, delivering a homily comparing his predecessor to Jesus before tens of thousands of mourners in St. Peter's square. 'LEFT HIS MARK'People from all over the world, many from Benedict's native Germany, began arriving the dark of the night to say farewell to Benedict. An account of Benedict's papacy, along with other items, including Vatican coins minted during his reign, was also tucked into the coffin. Even though Benedict largely avoided public appearances in subsequent years, he remained a standard-bearer for Catholic conservatives, who felt alienated by reforms ushered in by Francis, including cracking down on the old Latin Mass.

☆ Pope Benedict: His life in pictures
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-31 | by ( Jeremy Schultz | ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

The new elected Pope Benedict XVI, known as German Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, greets thousands of pilgrims from the balcony of the St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, April 19, 2005. REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach/File Photo

☆ Analysis: Drama specialists Argentina deserve their World Cup title
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-18 | by ( Julien Pretot | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/5] Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 - Final - Argentina v France - Lusail Stadium, Lusail, Qatar - December 18, 2022 Argentina's Lionel Messi lifts the World Cup trophy alongside teammates as they celebrate after winning the World Cup REUTERS/Kai PfaffenbachLUSAIL, Qatar, Dec 18 (Reuters) - Sunday's World Cup final turned from a one-sided affair into a nerve-racking vintage showdown and it was somehow fitting that footballing diva Argentina prevailed over France amid the drama. "Argentina have been playing a World Cup final, not us," Deschamps said at halftime. The whole Argentina bench ran onto the pitch like headless chicken, but it was somehow not enough drama for a night to remember. France have conceded all the last 14 penalties against them in shootouts, with the last person to miss Luigi Di Biagio in the 1998 World Cup quarter-final. After France's shootout defeats in the Euro 2021 last 16 and 2006 World Cup final, it was a coherent end to a logic-defying final.

☆ Argentina beat France 4-2 on penalties to win World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-18 | by ( Karolos Grohmann | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/15] Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 - Final - Argentina v France - Lusail Stadium, Lusail, Qatar - December 18, 2022 Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates alongside Nicolas Otamendi, Lautaro Martinez and teammates after winning the World Cup REUTERS/Kai PfaffenbachLUSAIL, Qatar, Dec 18 (Reuters) - Argentina won the World Cup on Sunday after beating defending champions France 4-2 on penalties, following a dramatic 3-3 draw after extra time. Argentina keeper Emiliano Martinez saved Kingsley Coman's penalty and Aurelien Tchouameni fired wide to give Argentina their first world title since 1986, and third overall. France had come from two goals down to level over 90 minutes with Kylian Mbappe netting twice in two minutes, including an 80th-minute penalty. The France striker completed his hat-trick in the 118th with another spot-kick after Argentina's Lionel Messi had tapped in for a 3-2 lead in the 109th. Argentina had gone 2-0 up in the first half with Messi, making a record-breaking 26th World Cup appearance, converting a 23rd-minute penalty.

☆ The US may have lost in the World Cup, but soccer is more popular than ever in America
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-12 | by ( Harry Enten | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +36 min

The Atlas Lions made history as the first African team to reach a World Cup semifinal. They made history as the first all-female refereeing crew for a men's World Cup match. It was Morocco's first World Cup win since 1998 — and its third-ever at the tournament. Less spoken about is that they also rate better on television than the men do in the World Cup. We’ll just have to wait and see, though with the US, Canada and Mexico hosting the 2026 World Cup, soccer isn’t going away anytime soon.

☆ Portugal coach does not regret leaving Ronaldo out v Morocco
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-10 | by ( Fernando Kallas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Ronaldo stormed off the pitch after the final whistle crying effusively while being comforted by his team mates. "I do not regret (leaving Ronaldo on the bench)," coach Santos told a news conference on Saturday. "It wouldn't change anything, in terms of the team I can't be thinking with my heart. "I used the team that played really well against Switzerland and there was no reason to change it (against Morocco). "It's not that Ronaldo is no longer a great player, that has nothing to do with it."

☆ Argentina beat Netherlands on penalties to reach World Cup semi-finals
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-09 | by ( Hritika Sharma | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

In a scrappy half-hour of extra time with the scores level, Enzo Fernandez rattled the post in the closing seconds while Martinez and German Pezzella also had efforts blocked or parried away as Argentina desperately pushed for a winner. The Netherlands had rarely troubled Argentina during the match before substitute Wout Weghorst's header in the 83rd minute sparked them into life and he rolled the ball past goalkeeper Emi Martinez deep into stoppage time to send the game into extra time. Argentina captain Lionel Messi had superbly set up Nahuel Molina for their first-half opener, threading a sublime pass through the Dutch defence, before coolly slotting in a penalty in the 73rd minute after Denzel Dumfries fouled Marcos Acuna. Argentina will next face Croatia, who beat Brazil on penalties earlier, on Tuesday for a place in the final. Reporting by Hritika Sharma; Editing by Hugh LawsonOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Argentina lead Netherlands 1-0 at halftime in World Cup quarter-final
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-09 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/4] Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 - Quarter Final - Netherlands v Argentina - Lusail Stadium, Lusail, Qatar - December 9, 2022 Argentina's Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul celebrate after Nahuel Molina scores their first goal REUTERS/Kai PfaffenbachLUSAIL, Qatar, Dec 9 (Reuters) - Lionel Messi set up Nahuel Molina for the opening goal in the 35th minute to give Argentina a 1-0 lead over the Netherlands at halftime in their World Cup quarter-final on Friday. With the Argentinian fans far outnumbering their Dutch counterparts, the stadium was bouncing from the start, and Messi thrilled his compatriots with some of his trademark penetrating dribbles. The 35-year-old's rush at the heart of the Dutch defence paid dividends 10 minutes before the break as he slipped a sublime ball through for Molina to clip home from close range. The winner of Friday's clash will meet Croatia, who beat Brazil on penalties, in the semi-finals next Tuesday. Reporting by Philip O'Connor; Editing by Hugh LawsonOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Deutsche bank, Rabobank hit with EU antitrust charge over bond cartel
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-06 | by ( Foo Yun Chee | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/2] People are silhouetted next to the Deutsche Bank's logo prior to the bank's annual meeting in Frankfurt, Germany, May 24, 2018. REUTERS/Kai PfaffenbachBRUSSELS, Dec 6 (Reuters) - Deutsche Bank (DBKGn.DE) and Rabobank (RABO.UL) were charged by EU antitrust regulators on Tuesday of taking part in a government bond cartel, the latest move against a sector which has racked up millions of euros in fines for various competition violations. Deutsche Bank said it does not expect any sanction, suggesting that it may have alerted the cartel to the authorities. "Deutsche Bank has proactively cooperated with the European Commission in this matter and as a result has been granted conditional immunity. In accordance with the European Commission’s guidelines, Deutsche Bank does not expect a financial penalty," the German lender said.

☆ French drug agency says under investigation over thyroid drug
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-06 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/2] The logo of German pharmaceuticals company Merck is seen in front of the company's headquarters in Darmstadt, Germany, May 16, 2016. REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach/File PhotoCompanies Merck KGaA FollowPARIS, Dec 6 (Reuters) - France's ANSM national drug agency said it is under formal investigation on suspicion of issuing misleading information regarding German drugmaker Merck's (MRCG.DE) thyroid drug Levothyrox, adding it contested the provisional charges. The French Association of Thyroid Patients on Tuesday welcomed the development, but expressed disappointment that the provisional charges had not been more far-reaching. A court in the French city of Marseille had in October already placed Merck under formal investigation, meaning it is treated as a formal suspect but the case may yet be dropped. Merck said in October the investigation against it did not concern in any way the new formula for Levothyrox, but the way it provided information when changing from the old one.

☆ Analysis: 'Sorcerer' Ramos dazzles with hat-trick in first World Cup start
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-06 | by ( Karolos Grohmann | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Ramos could not have hoped for a more magical night in Qatar, having made his international debut only three days before the World Cup started. Ramos had only featured for 10 minutes in total in Portugal's World Cup group matches but earned a surprise start when Santos opted to leave the country's all-time top scorer Ronaldo on the bench and take a risk with the youngster. Ramos is neither the muscular package that is Ronaldo nor does he play as far forward as the Portugal captain. While thousands of fans at Lusail stadium repeatedly chanted 'Ronaldo' 'Ronaldo', hoping to see the superstar in action, Ramos became the first player to score a hat-trick in his first World Cup start since Germany's Miroslav Klose 20 years ago. But by then a new Portugal hero, no longer the sorcerer's apprentice, had stolen the show with a memorable performance.

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