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German growth forecasts slashed, Merz under pressure
Leading German institutes on Thursday downgraded their 2026 growth forecasts, in another bad sign for Chancellor Friedrich Merz whose efforts to reboot Europe's biggest economy face mounting criticism. But critics say his efforts so far have not been radical enough as challenges mount for the economy, from a deepening industrial slump to US tariffs.
Thyssenkrupp pauses steel production at two sites citing Asian pressure
Europe's largest steelmaker Thyssenkrupp is to pause steel production at two sites for about two weeks because of Asian competition, the German firm said Thursday, as the European Union considers tightening its steel tariffs. Hammered by exorbitant energy costs and cheaper Asian competition, Germany's steel industry has been mired in deep crisis for several years.
ECB proposes simplifying rules for banks
The European Central Bank proposed Thursday simplifying rules for the region's lenders to help them compete internationally, but insisted the move would not weaken guardrails aimed at preventing crises.
General strike hits planes, trains and services in Portugal
Widespread disruption hit Portuguese air travel and trains, hospitals and schools Thursday as the unions called the biggest nationwide strike action for more than a decade against government labour reforms. Lisbon's main train station was empty with most services cancelled and the TAP Air Portugal national airline called off about two thirds of its normal 250 flights.
Eurogroup elects new head as Russian frozen assets debate rages
Finance ministers from Europe's 20-country single currency area are to choose the next Eurogroup chief on Thursday, as the EU weighs a tough decision on using frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine. Created in 1997, the body coordinates the economic and budgetary policies of the 20 countries of the eurozone, which will soon number 21, as Bulgaria prepares to adopt the single currency on January 1.
Taiwan to keep production of 'most advanced' chips at home: deputy FM
Taiwan plans to keep making the "most advanced" chips on home soil and remain "indispensable" to the global semiconductor industry, the deputy foreign minister told AFP, despite intense Chinese military pressure.
Chocolate prices high before Christmas despite cocoa fall
After soaring for nearly two years, cocoa prices dropped sharply in 2025. - Record high prices in 2024 - Cocoa harvests between 2021 and 2024 failed to meet demand, which sent prices soaring.
Asian traders cheer US rate cut but gains tempered by outlook
Most Asian markets rose Thursday as traders welcomed the Federal Reserve's third straight interest rate cut, though the euphoria was tempered by an indication officials could hold off another reduction any time soon. However, traders have lowered their expectations for a string of further cuts in 2026 after the bank's statement used language used in late-2024 to signal a pause in more rate cuts.
AI's $400 bn problem: Are chips getting old too fast?
In pursuit of the AI dream, the tech industry this year has plunked down about $400 billion on specialized chips and data centers, but questions are mounting about the wisdom of such unprecedented levels of investment. Building data centers requires raising significant capital, Luria points out.
AFP
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