Along with reporting its fourth quarter performance, France telecommunication company Orange SA also report the acquisition plan. The company needs more weeks to have approval from antitrust authorities.
Europe
Plus500 Grew Its Revenue Despite a Hard Year in 2015
Plus500 booked an increase in total revenue for 2015 to $275.6 million, despite facing a dificult year. Increase of compliance cost and failed merger with Playtech has disturb the company's operation.
Asian hedge funds look to safe haven after January crash
Hedge funds in Asia witnessed losses the most in January 2016. The financial markets sell-off in the month made hedge funds suffer losses over 10 percent. Asia-focused hedge funds recorded losses of 3.1 percent indicating the worst beginning since 2008.
UK inflation rate inches up to 12-month high
The UK's headline rate of inflation reached to 12-month high. However, it remained below the two percent target of Bank of England for two years. The consumer prices index rose following the price rise in oil, clothing and food products. Economists and consumers are looking to UK's central bank whether it'll raise interest rate or not.
Pirelli Shareholders Approve Merging With Marco Polo Industrial Holding
Shareholders of the Italian tyre maker Pirelli has nodded in favor of the proposed merger with Marco Polo Industrial Holding. Marco Polo’s parent concern ChemChina has acquired Pirelli for $8.25 billion last year. The merging is scheduled to be completed by mid 2016.
Latest News
Brazilian steelmaker Usiminas Siderurgicas de Minas Gerais SA, a Brazilian steel producer, is in the process of offloading its manufacturing unit. Usiminas has already hired Credit Suisse SA as its financial advisor for the unit sale. The sluggish global economy and China's economy slowdown are impacting the Brazilian steel industry in more negative way.
The market volatility, rising dollar and sluggish global economy are forcing foreign investors towards the US small business credit market for growth opportunities. Foreign investors generally prefer to invest in US treasury bonds. But the prevailing global conditions are propelling them to park their funds in small business credit market.
UK-based Vodafone and US cable group firm Liberty Global are combining their operations in Netherlands market to float a joint venture. The combined JV is expected to be operational by end of 2016. Vodafone has agreed to pay €1 billion (£770 million) after excluding Ziggo's net debt of €7.3 billion.
R-Square Macro Management is increasing its exposure to Russian currency Ruble. It's hoping on rebound in Ruble as it fell 37 percent from the recent high in 2015. Some asset managers scaled back their wagers on Ruble amid high volatility in the Russian currency.
London is the core economic hub of Europe. Leaving out from the European Union will force the businesses to be pulled out from the UK, argue some analysts. However, HSBC Board’s decision to retain headquarters in London appears to be the best answer to the believers.
Green Party has accused IKEA for dodging tax up to €1 billion ($1.13 billion/ £776 million). MEP has taken the allegation into cognizance and pledged for studying the report and related findings. However, the Swedish furniture giant has rejected the tax evasion allegations and claims for no wrongdoings.
The average oil price has dipped well below $30 a barrel on Thursday, which has been reported to be sold at $31 on Friday. Sharp fall of oil prices on Thursday has been analyzed as the triggering factor for some bargain hunting by some traders. However, equity market has also witnessed a boost which is believed to be induced by oil price soaring.
Pandora Media Inc has engaged Morgan Stanley to facilitate the selling itself including identifying potential buyers. Pandora has been spending heavily to attract more number of users amid increasing competition in internet radio space.
The London property market is witnessing soaring buying activity for rental apartments ahead of new tax on home coming into effect from April 2016. The latest rush for buying is also pushing prices up.
