Episodios

  • Markets sway as Powell faces pressure and tech takes hits - Jul 25, 2025

    Markets sway as Powell faces pressure and tech takes hits - Jul 25, 2025
    Jul 25 2025
    As of July 25, today’s news focuses on discussions surrounding Federal Reserve leadership and evolving market dynamics, alongside corporate developments in various sectors. Investors are closely monitoring the potential impact of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's tenure amidst increasing speculation about his future. President Donald Trump has criticized Powell for not reducing U.S. rates swiftly enough and has floated the possibility of his dismissal, although he later stated that such an action seemed unlikely following a productive meeting at the Federal Reserve. This meeting, focused on a costly renovation of the Fed's headquarters, saw Trump express increased pressure on Powell to align with his views on interest rates. Market reactions are being analyzed, particularly in light of recent fluctuations where Powell's job security briefly unsettled equity values, leading to a notable decline in the S&P 500 and the U.S. dollar when rumors surfaced about his potential removal. Market-wise, Italian energy group Eni reported a 25% decrease in its second-quarter profit largely due to declining oil prices, albeit surpassing analyst expectations. Eni has successfully reduced its debt, setting a robust course for the latter half of 2025 and beyond, as highlighted by positive analyst insights. In other news, Google has partnered with Italian firm Energy Dome to bolster its commitment to carbon-free energy through advanced energy storage technology. Meanwhile, major telecommunications company Telefonica is currently engaged in exclusive talks to sell its Mexican unit to Beyond ONE, with uncertainties surrounding regulatory approvals that could delay the transaction. In the tech sector, Intel's shares experienced a drop following dire forecasts of significant quarterly losses and potential cuts to its foundry operations under the new CEO. This comes as the company reassesses its strategic direction after lagging in the competitive chip market against rivals like Nvidia and AMD. On the EV front, LG Energy Solution has indicated a slowdown in electric vehicle battery demand, attributing this to impending U.S. tariffs and policy uncertainties. Nonetheless, the company is anticipating profit boosts through increased energy storage system production, as it adjusts to the evolving market landscape. Copper prices saw slight drops as traders prepare for anticipated U.S. tariffs set to take effect next month, with discussions of potential trade resolutions between the U.S. and the EU ongoing. From the international stage, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy confirmed the acquisition of three Patriot missile defense systems, with aspirations to secure additional units in response to continued aggression from Russia. In parallel developments, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Trump appear to have shifted away from negotiating a ceasefire with Hamas, citing a lack of interest from the militant group.
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  • Prysmian cuts YOFC stake, eyes strong Q2 growth - Jul 24, 2025

    Prysmian cuts YOFC stake, eyes strong Q2 growth - Jul 24, 2025
    Jul 24 2025
    As of July 24, today’s news features Prysmian's stake sale in YOFC, alongside developments in the energy and commodities markets. Prysmian has announced the sale of approximately 5% of its stake in Yangtze Optical Fibre and Cable Joint Stock Limited Company (YOFC) for 19.50 Hong Kong dollars per share via its subsidiary Draka Comteq BV, generating around about 79 million euros. This transaction reduces Prysmian's ownership in YOFC to approximately 10% and includes a 60-day lock-up period for the remaining shares post-placement. Furthermore, analysts' estimates ahead of Prysmian's upcoming quarterly results indicate a projected group revenue of 4.81 billion euros for Q2 2025, up from 4.13 billion euros in Q2 2024, with adjusted EBITDA expected to rise to 581 million euros from 457 million euros year-on-year. Turning to market updates, Tesla’s shares fell nearly 6% following disappointing quarterly sales figures and a lack of favorable guidance from CEO Elon Musk regarding future profits. The electric vehicle manufacturer is facing challenges tied to regulatory changes and market conditions affecting sales. Furthermore, Rio Tinto is considering a possible sale of its titanium unit due to weak prices and low returns, three sources said, just as incoming CEO Simon Trott will weigh up a restructuring of the world's second-largest miner when he takes over next month. Meanwhile, U.S. copper futures reached a record high as anticipation builds around impending import tariffs on the metal, possibly influencing global supply chains and pricing strategies. From a wider economic perspective, the energy market shows signs of turbulence as the U.S. government moves to tighten incentives for renewable energy. This shift has raised concerns about a slowdown in clean energy investments, potentially impacting the future of solar and wind projects within the U.S. and EU. In Europe, the solar energy rollout is projected to decline for the first time in a decade, reflecting adjusted governmental subsidies and market dynamics. On the global stage, tensions between China and the EU were front and center during a summit where President Xi Jinping urged more cooperative trade practices amidst ongoing disputes regarding tariffs and market imbalances. In the same vein, the EU also advanced its counter-tariff plans against the U.S., preparing for potential trade escalations as negotiations unfold.
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  • Fiber, energy, housing: Prysmian’s growth formula - Jul 23, 2025

    Fiber, energy, housing: Prysmian’s growth formula - Jul 23, 2025
    Jul 23 2025
    As of July 23, today’s news is dominated by developments in Prysmian’s strategic partnerships, anticipation for increased demand in the construction sector, and ongoing shifts in the energy landscape. Prysmian has made an important stride by investing in Relativity Networks, a provider of innovative hollow-core optical fiber technology, as part of a strategic partnership aimed at scaling production. This technology promises to enhance data transmission capabilities, extending the operational range of fiber connections significantly. The announcement highlights Prysmian's commitment to pioneering advancements in telecommunications, potentially positioning it as a leader in high-performance fiber solutions essential for next-generation applications like AI and quantum networking. In related developments, Banca Akros has reiterated its Buy rating on Prysmian, with a target price of 65 euros. Mediobanca Research, meanwhile, maintained a Neutral stance on the stock. Shares of Prysmian rose 2.1% to 64.26 euros following these news. In Italy, Antonio Gozzi, president of Federacciai and Confindustria advisor, urged immediate action on the 600 MW power cable between Sicily and Tunisia, a key project under Italy’s Mattei Plan. Speaking in the Senate, he called on Terna and the government to move forward, warning that rising costs could delay the project by years. Gozzi stressed the need to secure the cable from Prysmian, which is facing high global demand. Further, major U.S. homebuilders such as DR Horton and PulteGroup are instituting increased sales incentives to stimulate market demand, which could positively affect suppliers like Prysmian and Nexans, particularly in the residential-building sectors, according to a report by Bloomberg Intelligence. Turning to market updates, copper prices recently reached a two-week high, bolstered by optimism stemming from a trade deal between the U.S. and Japan. While gains were noted, the market remains cautious due to existing surpluses and concerns about inventory levels, particularly with regards to upcoming tariffs on copper. From the international front, France's EDF is restructuring its operations, opting to focus on domestic nuclear projects while scaling back its international endeavors. This decision comes as EDF's new leadership acknowledges the challenges of competing globally, thereby redirecting efforts towards enhancing France’s nuclear capabilities. Additionally, Iberdrola has initiated a capital increase of 5.9 billion euros aimed at supporting its significant investment plans in the U.S. and Britain, highlighting a commitment to expanding power grid infrastructures in these regions where regulatory assurances promise steady returns. Looking at broader macro trends, China is grappling with record heat, causing strain on its power grid and raising health concerns. The demand for electricity is surging as power generation struggles to keep up, marking a significant challenge for the country's energy supply infrastructure. Finally, U.S. electric power demand is on the rise, propelled by substantial consumption increases from data centers associated with AI and cryptocurrency operations. The energy transition continues to evolve with a considerable shift towards renewables as evidenced by the robust production figures reported by NextEra Energy.
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    4 m
  • Prysmian strengthens green push with Aero and E.On deals - Jul 22, 2025

    Prysmian strengthens green push with Aero and E.On deals - Jul 22, 2025
    Jul 22 2025
    As of July 22, today’s news is dominated by significant developments involving Prysmian's partnerships and projects that underscore the company's commitment to renewable energy advancements. Prysmian has joined the Offshore Renewable Energy Association (Aero), a move that highlights its pivotal role as a leader in energy and telecommunications. Aero's president, Fulvio Mamone Capria, emphasized Prysmian's technical contributions towards enhancing Italy's offshore energy sector, which is crucial in the transition to decarbonization and energy security for both the nation and Europe. The company, say Mamone Capria, is actively engaged in offshore projects, providing solutions for large wind farms and developing innovative underwater interconnection technologies. In a further announcement, Prysmian signed a long-term framework agreement with E.On, focusing on the supply of low and medium-voltage cables destined for Germany's electricity grid. This collaboration, part of a broader E.On initiative worth over 6 billion euros to modernize the German network, aims to bolster renewable energy integration, particularly for wind and solar power, as well as electric vehicles and energy storage systems. Turning to market updates, copper prices saw a modest increase today, supported by optimistic indicators from Chinese economic policies and demand forecasts, although caution persists regarding potential tariffs affecting economic growth. Despite the rise in copper, other base metals faced downward pressure as trade concerns loomed ahead of upcoming negotiations between various countries and the U.S. Meanwhile, in the broader energy narrative, the UK government has approved the Sizewell C nuclear plant project, with substantial backing from Canadian pension fund La Caisse and others. This project represents a critical step in Europe's nuclear revival, aiming to enhance energy security and meet climate targets. In other news, the U.S. government has seen slow progress in building electric vehicle charging stations despite a significant infrastructure allocation, while Norwegian aluminium producer Norsk Hydro reduced its 2025 spending forecasts amid trade uncertainties and tariff impacts. On the global stage, significant geopolitical events continue to unfold, with peace talks between Ukraine and Russia scheduled to take place in Turkey after weeks of heightened conflict.
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  • Prysmian powers up. Saudi deal and cable boom ahead - Jul 21, 2025

    Prysmian powers up. Saudi deal and cable boom ahead - Jul 21, 2025
    Jul 22 2025
    As of July 21, today’s news is dominated by significant developments in the energy sector, particularly centered around market dynamics affecting key players. A notable highlight is an agreement involving Prysmian among other European operators and ACWA Power aimed at establishing a value chain for exports to Europe from Saudi Arabia. The partnership, which also includes firms like Edison and Zhero Power, aims to enhance the reliability and efficiency of transboundary energy infrastructure through advanced energy transmission corridors. This initiative was announced in the presence of Saudi Energy Minister Abdulaziz bin Salman, emphasizing the strategic importance of international collaborations in renewable energy. In financial news, Bloomberg Intelligence projected that Prysmian will see strong organic sales growth in the second quarter, primarily driven by over 20% increases in its Transmission business and a rebound in its Digital unit. The company may also revise its guidance for adjusted EBITDA, originally set between €2.25 billion and €2.35 billion, to reflect the expected impact of channel consolidation and currency fluctuations. On the market front, a report from BloombergNEF forecasts that Europe will need about 89,000 kilometers (55,300 miles) of undersea power cables by 2040 to support the growing offshore wind sector. Currently, demand is outpacing the supply of cable-laying vessels, complicating efforts to meet these infrastructure needs. Major manufacturers including Prysmian, Nexans, and NKT are expanding operations, showcasing the competitive landscape as cable production ramps up to meet future requirements, say Bloomberg. Additionally, Nexans has unveiled an innovative cable prototype made with 99.5% recycled materials, aligning with sustainability goals to integrate more recycled copper into production by 2028. This reflects a broader industry trend towards sustainable practices among competitors, as companies seek to reduce their environmental impact while maintaining performance standards. Shifting focus to the broader economic landscape, BP has appointed Albert Manifold as its new chairman amidst pressures for strategic reform, highlighting ongoing shifts within major energy firms in response to market challenges. Meanwhile, Stellantis has reported a substantial net loss of €2.3 billion for the first half of 2025 and anticipates increased tariff impacts moving forward, demonstrating the intertwined nature of global trade policies and corporate financial health. In international affairs, The European Union is exploring a broader set of possible counter-measures against the United States as prospects for an acceptable trade agreement with Washington fade, according to European diplomats.
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    3 m
  • Copper climbs and tech tensions rise - Jul 18, 2025

    Copper climbs and tech tensions rise - Jul 18, 2025
    Jul 18 2025
    As of July 18, today’s news is dominated by developments in the metals market, significant agreements in the energy sector, and heightened tensions around U.S.-China technology exports. Copper prices reached a more than one-week high, supported by increased buying from Chinese traders and optimism surrounding a potential U.S.-China trade deal. Notably, three-month copper on the London Metal Exchange rose 0.7% to 9,735 dollars per metric ton. Chinese entities are reportedly purchasing copper on price dips, creating a bullish outlook amid rising demand from sectors like machinery and automotive. Additionally, officials from China’s commerce ministry have indicated intentions to stabilize trade relations with the U.S.. In other significant news, BP has announced the sale of its U.S. onshore wind business, bp Wind Energy, to LS Power. This divestment aligns with BP's strategy to enhance profitability by reallocating investments towards oil and gas rather than renewables, as part of CEO Murray Auchincloss' directive. Market dynamics are also shifting, as China's imports of unwrought aluminum surged 24.1% year-on-year in June, indicating robust demand from the world’s top aluminum consumer. This growth is partly due to a rise in domestic aluminum output, with imports totaling 1.98 million tons in the first half of the year. In the realm of technology and international relations, Nvidia's CEO Jensen Huang met with China’s Commerce Minister, who encouraged multinational companies to deepen collaborations in artificial intelligence. Despite indications of an easing of export restrictions on Nvidia's H20 AI chips to China, opposition arose from U.S. legislators, concerned about national security implications tied to sales of such technology to China. On financial updates, NKT announced new multi-year agreements with EnBW for the delivery of low- and medium-voltage power cables, further cementing their ongoing partnership to support Germany’s energy transition. Futhermore, the case for a U.S. interest rate cut remains unresolved as Federal Reserve officials head into their policy meeting later this month, with data showing fresh signs of higher inflation and President Donald Trump intensifying his demands for lower borrowing costs.
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  • Cables, copper and currents. Power Shifts in Industry - Jul 17, 2025

    Cables, copper and currents. Power Shifts in Industry - Jul 17, 2025
    Jul 17 2025
    As of July 17, today’s news is dominated by positive developments in the electrification sector, reflecting strong demand which could bode well for Prysmian and Nexans. Prysmian, which rose by 4% on the Milan Stock Exchange, is reported to be positioned to benefit from increased demand for medium- and low-voltage electrical cables, sharing in the optimism following ABB’s report of a 9% organic growth in its Electrification unit. ABB's strength stems from its offerings tied to utilities and particularly its successful data center segments, indicating potentially a positive environment for cable manufacturers like Prysmian and Nexans. The consensus for the second quarter anticipates organic sales growth for these cable manufacturers in the low-to-mid single-digit range. In broader industrial updates, ABB reported a substantial increase in its net profit, surpassing market expectations, fueled by escalating demand for data-center infrastructure and advancements in its electrification technologies. With a record high order intake and a significant rise in U.S. orders, the company's performance highlights a robust trading environment across various sectors, including utilities. The CEO noted that this growth is widespread, covering several business areas and regions, which could signal a strong demand trajectory likely to influence peers within the industry, including Prysmian. Turning to market trends, Britain's OVO Energy announced plans to establish OVO Renewables, a new arm dedicated to modernizing aging wind farms with an initial substantial investment. This initiative aims to enhance output and prolong the operational lifespan of existing infrastructure, responding to the aging wind farm challenges in the UK. In the commodity markets, copper prices faced downward pressure due to a stronger dollar and rising inventories linked to imminent U.S. tariffs, which have stirred uncertainty among traders. This backdrop includes increasing production levels in China, where refined copper output reached record highs, adding to the complexity of the supply landscape. Amidst varying responses to energy policy, the European Commission has proposed including nuclear energy funding in its upcoming budget, a move that has sparked disagreement among member states, particularly with Germany’s staunch refusal. This reflects ongoing tensions within the EU regarding the role of nuclear energy in achieving climate goals. On the geopolitical front, a significant friendship treaty was signed between the UK and Germany, emphasizing enhanced cooperation in defense and economic policies amidst growing uncertainties surrounding U.S. commitments in Europe. This treaty underscores the evolving nature of relationships within Europe, especially against the backdrop of regional security concerns stemming from Russia's aggressive actions. Overall, today's news encapsulates a blend of robust industrial growth, strategic energy initiatives, and shifting geopolitical dynamics, setting the stage for further developments in the energy and infrastructure sectors.
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  • Tariffs, Trump and tech: markets roiled by global shifts - Jul 16, 2025

    Tariffs, Trump and tech: markets roiled by global shifts - Jul 16, 2025
    Jul 16 2025
    As of July 16, today’s news is dominated by geopolitical uncertainties affecting various sectors, particularly in technology and energy. ASML, the leading supplier of chip-making equipment, announced that it may not achieve its growth targets for 2026 due to ongoing tariff uncertainties impacting U.S. chipmakers. Shares in ASML dropped by 7.8%, causing a ripple effect among competitors like ASM and Soitec, as executives expressed the need for clarity in tariff implications before proceeding with significant investments. Meanwhile, Donald Trump is likely to fire Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell soon, Bloomberg reported, citing an unidentified White House official. Trump has repeatedly criticized Federal Reserve monetary policy in recent months, angry over the central bank's refusal to cut interest rates. In market developments, copper prices fell as concerns over supply disruptions eased, with inventories rising. Reports indicate that protesters in Peru have lifted blockades that hampered copper transport. Antofagasta reported an 11% increase in copper production for the first half of 2025, maintaining its full-year output guidance. On the energy front, France’s EDF is considering stake sales in its North American and Brazilian renewables businesses to raise capital, while Microsoft collaborates with a U.S. national lab to employ AI in expediting nuclear power plant permitting processes, a move aligned with President Trump’s executive efforts to streamline nuclear project approvals. In broader scenarios, the International Air Transport Association criticized the EU's sustainable aviation fuel mandate for driving up costs without environmental benefits, as supply remains insufficient. Additionally, China's electricity emissions have reached a record low, illustrating the nation’s significant strides in clean energy. Finally, Ukraine faced an extensive drone and missile attack from Russia, aiming at energy infrastructure, with subsequent calls from Trump for increased military support to Ukraine. Meanwhile, Israel conducted airstrikes in Damascus targeting forces threatening the Druze community.
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