Episodes

  • Prysmian in focus as Fed turmoil shakes markets - Jan 26, 2026

    Prysmian in focus as Fed turmoil shakes markets - Jan 26, 2026
    Jan 26 2026
    As of January 26, today’s news sees analyst assessments of Prysmian and rising political pressure on the US Federal Reserve. In particular, Prysmian has garnered attention as it continues to strengthen its portfolio with strategic acquisitions. Specifically, Intesa Sanpaolo has reaffirmed its "buy" recommendation for Prysmian, maintaining a target price of 99.5 euros, following the group's acquisition of the Spanish company Acsm, a leader in submarine cable installation solutions. Analysts believe this move is not only accretive but strategically aligns with Prysmian's goals. Conversely, Intermonte has maintained a "neutral" rating on Prysmian, with a target price of 85 euros, noting that while the acquisition enhances the company’s global leadership in the submarine cable sector, its financial impact is seen as non-material. Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve is expected to hold interest rates steady this week at a meeting overshadowed by a Trump administration criminal investigation of US central bank chief Jerome Powell, an evolving effort to fire Fed Governor Lisa Cook, and the coming nomination of a successor to take over for Powell in May, Reuters said. In broader market terms, copper prices have shown volatility, hovering near a one-week high, influenced by a weak dollar, while tin has retracted from its recent record levels. The price for copper on the Shanghai Futures Exchange closed up by 1.26%, while the London Metals Exchange reported a slight drop. This fluctuation is attributed to geopolitical concerns which are affecting investor sentiment and thus impacting commodities. On the renewable energy front, a notable pact among several European nations, including the UK and Germany, will see a commitment to develop 100 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind capacity. This agreement signifies a strong unified stance on green energy as European countries seek to bolster their energy security, particularly in light of ongoing geopolitical tensions. Market activity was also spurred by USA Rare Earth, which saw its shares jump significantly following reports of a major investment from the Trump administration aimed at establishing a foothold in the critical minerals sector. This development is part of broader efforts to enhance domestic capabilities in strategically important materials. Across international markets, Nvidia's substantial investment in CoreWeave reflects the increasing demand for AI infrastructure, signaling the tech industry's strong growth trajectory. The 2 billion dollars investment aims to accelerate the build-out of data centers that are critical for supporting AI technologies. In other news, Brazil's decision to apply antidumping tariffs on Chinese fiber optic cables has raised concerns within its telecommunications sector, indicating a potential increase in costs for the expansion of broadband services.
    Show More Show Less
    3 mins
  • Prysmian buys ACSM as Europe doubles down on offshore wind - Jan 23, 2026

    Prysmian buys ACSM as Europe doubles down on offshore wind - Jan 23, 2026
    Jan 23 2026
    As of January 23, today’s news is dominated by Prysmian's significant acquisition in the submarine cable sector and continued commitments by European governments towards renewable energy expansion amidst external criticisms. Prysmian will acquire ACSM, a Spain-based leader in solutions for submarine cable installation, including subsea surveying, route planning and seabed preparation activities with over 20 years of experience in the offshore cable sector. The transaction value is 169 million euros, the company said in a statement. The transaction will strengthen Prysmian’s global leadership in submarine cables. Integrating ACSM will broaden Prysmian’s range of solutions for energy and telecom customers as a one-stop shop and accelerate the full vertical integration of its submarine activities, bringing in-house industry leading know-how and assets. Meanwhile, European nations, including Germany, the UK, and Denmark, are doubling down on their commitments to offshore wind energy despite criticism from US President Donald Trump. A draft declaration from a recent summit indicates plans to enhance offshore wind capacity significantly, targeting a total of 300 gigawatts by 2050. Turning to the markets, copper prices have seen a modest rise following a strike at Capstone Copper's Mantoverde mine in Chile, which has put production on hold. This supply disruption is anticipated to influence copper pricing moving forward. Concurrently, Freeport-McMoRan reported that a significant portion of production at its Grasberg mine is expected to resume in the latter half of this year, following previous operational setbacks. In Australia, the government has announced three new offshore wind permits that could introduce 4 gigawatts of renewable energy. This move signals a renewed effort in offshore wind generation following previous project setbacks. From a broader perspective, US stocks have dipped as Intel faced challenges meeting the strong demand for AI-related data-center chips due to supply chain issues. This downturn, coupled with lingering geopolitical tensions, has affected market sentiment and contributed to a decline in major indexes. Finally, on the global stage, geopolitical dynamics are being recalibrated between Europe and the US as leaders navigate Trump's assertive stance, particularly concerning territorial discussions like those surrounding Greenland.
    Show More Show Less
    3 mins
  • Markets rebound, Prysmian soars on trade de-escalation - Jan 22, 2026

    Markets rebound, Prysmian soars on trade de-escalation - Jan 22, 2026
    Jan 22 2026
    As of January 22, today’s news features easing geopolitical tensions in Europe and a notable executive shift in the cables sector. European stocks rose for the first time in five sessions, after Donald Trump dropped his threat of new Greenland-linked tariffs, lifting trade-exposed names. Prysmian stood out among industrials, jumping around 3% to a record closing level, alongside gains in Siemens and Schneider Electric, while defense stocks lagged on the geopolitical de-escalation. Meanwhile, Pérez Mackenna has informed Nexans that he has accepted an invitation to join government of Republic of Chile as Minister of foreign affairs. Turning to market updates, copper prices have remained largely stable amidst rising inventories in U.S. warehouses, which surpassed 500,000 metric tons for the first time, reflecting ongoing tariff concerns. Meanwhile, the London Metal Exchange saw a slight increase, with benchmark prices ticking up to 12,811 dollars per ton. Analysts at Sucden Financial indicated that the rising inventory levels may be easing the copper market from previously tight conditions. In nuclear energy news, Tokyo Electric Power Company has announced the shutdown of the No. 6 reactor at the world’s largest nuclear plant, Kashiwazaki-Kariwa, due to a malfunction detected shortly after it was brought back online following a 13-year hiatus. The reactor will remain offline while TEPCO investigates the cause of the malfunction. In the telecommunications arena, French giants Orange, Bouygues Telecom, and Iliad’s Free are reportedly engaged in discussions to purchase a significant portion of Altice Group's telecommunications activities in France. This comes after a previous bid for Altice's assets, estimated at 17 billion euros, was rejected. Analysts speculate that a successful acquisition could consolidate the fragmented European telecom market and enhance competition. Looking at broader macro trends, predictions indicate that wind and solar power will surpass fossil fuels in the European Union’s power generation mix by 2025, driven by a robust increase in solar output. Wind and solar generated a record 30% of the EU’s power last year, overtaking fossil fuels which contributed 29%. Furthermore, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright has called for a substantial increase in global oil production at the World Economic Forum in Davos, emphasizing the ongoing reliance on fossil fuels despite the growing focus on energy transition. This statement aligns with recent discussions on balancing energy strategies. Finally, President Donald Trump said his message to Russian leader Vladimir Putin was that the war in Ukraine has to end, after what he said were "good" talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Davos today.
    Show More Show Less
    3 mins
  • Prysmian shines as energy security tops global agenda - Jan 21, 2026

    Prysmian shines as energy security tops global agenda - Jan 21, 2026
    Jan 21 2026
    As of January 21, today’s news sees Prysmian’s positive assessment from Barclays, along with relevant developments in energy production and geopolitical maneuvering. Prysmian captured attention as Barclays upgraded its target price to 112 euros from 102 euros, reaffirming its overweight rating. Analysts noted Prysmian’s strong positioning within the cable sector, spotlighting its robust presence in the US market and its transmission business. Turning to other market developments, Rio Tinto reported a fourth-quarter production that exceeded expectations for both iron ore and copper. This performance, which comes as Simon Trott recently assumed the CEO role, is poised to bolster Rio Tinto's position as a leading global producer, particularly as it navigates merger discussions with Glencore. Under UK regulations, Rio Tinto must formally respond to Glencore by February 5, indicating the urgency of this potential merger. In the energy sector, Tokyo Electric Power Company has restarted a reactor at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant, marking Japan’s first move into nuclear power since the Fukushima disaster in 2011. The operational status of the 1.36 gigawatt reactor indicated progress towards Japan's energy stability amidst rising global energy challenges. On a broader scale, escalating trade tensions linked to geopolitical issues have resurfaced as a concern for Europe, particularly regarding its dependency on the U.S. for liquefied natural gas (LNG). Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Europe shifted away from Russian gas, dramatically increasing its LNG imports from the US and now relying on it for nearly a quarter of its total gas consumption. Elsewhere in international affairs, U.S. President Trump's attempt to renew interest in acquiring Greenland has met with strong resistance from Denmark's government, reinforcing the complexities of transatlantic relations. Denmark's officials firmly rejected any discussions of relinquishing territory, emphasizing their commitment to existing diplomatic channels. Finally, US President Donald Trump said today he would meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Switzerland, adding that he felt Zelenskiy and Russian President Vladimir Putin were now at a point where they could reach a deal to end the war.
    Show More Show Less
    3 mins
  • From Greenland to copper, power politics hit markets - Jan 20, 2026

    From Greenland to copper, power politics hit markets - Jan 20, 2026
    Jan 20 2026
    As of January 20, today’s news features geopolitical developments and market reactions, particularly surrounding energy and technology sectors. US President Donald Trump has reiterated his aggressive stance regarding Greenland, emphasizing that there is “no going back” on his ambition to control the territory. This raises concerns over NATO unity and could potentially reignite tensions in US-European trade relations, as Trump utilizes AI mock-ups to bolster his claims. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent attempted to mitigate fears regarding the reactions of European allies, insisting that the concerns around Greenland are exaggerated. Meanwhile, Ukraine's Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant has been connected to the country's power grid following an overnight Russian air attack on Ukrainian energy facilities, and radiation levels are normal, Kyiv's energy ministry said on Monday. Turning to the markets, copper prices are experiencing a downturn as industrial consumers resist paying high prices amidst record inventory levels. Copper on the London Metal Exchange fell by 0.8% to 12,868 dollars per metric ton, driven by a recent wave of speculative buying. Analysts note that buyers are beginning to hesitate at elevated costs when supplies are peaking. Furthermore, Leonardo's chairman today rowed back on comments he made about a possible merger with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, dismissing them as a light-hearted quip. Stefano Pontecorvo floated the idea of a future combination between the two state-controlled groups at a business conference in Milan on Monday. Meanwhile, Japan’s Inpex plans to resubmit its environmental proposal for a significant carbon capture and storage project off Australia's coast after temporarily withdrawing it. The company awaits clarity on new environmental laws, reflecting a broader trend of tightening regulations in Australia that aim to streamline approvals while enhancing compliance measures. From the international front, the European Union is set to phase out high-risk technology components, particularly targeting suppliers like Huawei and other Chinese firms. This initiative, part of revisions to the EU's Cybersecurity Act, stems from escalating cybersecurity threats and a desire to reduce technology dependence on potentially problematic sources. Meanwhile, the UK government has approved China’s plan to establish its largest embassy in Europe, despite concerns regarding espionage, indicating a complex balancing act as it seeks to improve bilateral relations. The energy landscape continues to shift as Trump's support for the oil industry clashes with market realities. US oil and gas production is projected to rise significantly, with potential implications for global supply dynamics.
    Show More Show Less
    3 mins
  • Trump’s tariff blitz rekindles fears of a transatlantic trade war - Jan 19, 2025

    Trump’s tariff blitz rekindles fears of a transatlantic trade war - Jan 19, 2025
    Jan 19 2026
    As of January 19, today’s news is dominated by President Trump’s renewed tariff threats against several European nations over his contentious Greenland proposal, reigniting fears of a transatlantic trade conflict. In a provocative move, Trump announced plans to impose new tariffs on goods from EU countries, including Denmark, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Finland, the UK, and Norway, which will start at a 10% rate on February 1, escalating to 25% by June 1. Major European states reacted sharply, criticizing his actions as tantamount to blackmail and convening to devise a strategy to counter these tariffs, including potential retaliatory measures, as reported by Reuters. This has caused considerable unease in the markets, with European and U.S. stock indices showing a decline amid fears that these tariffs could spark a wider trade war. Turning to market developments, NKT has recently signed final contracts for two high voltage direct current (HVDC) power cable projects in Scotland, adding a significant value of approximately 2 billion euros to its order backlog. Additionally, Germany's government has updated its electric vehicle subsidy program to include cars with range extenders, aiming to support households with small and medium incomes in their transition to EVs. The subsidy program will offer between 1,500 and 6,000 euros per vehicle. Looking at global market dynamics, Canada has made a significant policy shift by removing 100% tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles (EVs), a move that will primarily benefit Tesla due to its established supply chain and early shipments from its Shanghai factory. This is expected to give Tesla a competitive edge as it capitalizes on the new import quota for vehicles from China. In broader macroeconomic news, the Central Electricity Authority of India has significantly revised its projections for future coal power needs in Rajasthan, indicating a requirement for 4,400 megawatts of new coal-fired capacity by 2036. This adjustment highlights the ongoing balancing act between renewable energy growth and fossil fuel reliance in a rapidly evolving energy landscape. On the global stage, the recent escalation of drone strikes by Russia against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure has left several regions without power during a critical winter period, complicating efforts for recovery amidst ongoing conflict.
    Show More Show Less
    3 mins
  • From grids to copper, markets brace for a new power shift - Jan 16, 2025

    From grids to copper, markets brace for a new power shift - Jan 16, 2025
    Jan 16 2026
    As of January 16, today's news sees developments in infrastructure investments, energy markets, and trade negotiations globally. Canada and China have reached a preliminary agreement to reduce tariffs on electric vehicles and canola, marking a significant step towards revitalizing diplomatic relations. Meanwhile, Germany's budget committee has approved a plan to acquire a 25.1% minority stake in TenneT Germany, a high-voltage power transmission grid, for an estimated 5.8 billion euros, marking a crucial step in enhancing the state's control over vital infrastructure. Furthermore, the proposed merger between mining giants Rio Tinto and Glencore may necessitate asset sales to obtain regulatory approval from China, which maintains strict oversight over resource security and market concentration. Analysts noted that the merger could raise antitrust concerns due to the potential dominance in copper and iron ore production. On the commodities front, copper prices have recently experienced volatility, dropping to a one-week low amid growing concerns over demand from China and the impact of a firmer dollar. This decline comes after a significant price rally, driven primarily by temporary trading factors, which some analysts believe will not be sustainable in the long run. In the renewable energy sector, the U.S. Energy Information Administration has forecast an overall increase in electricity demand, mainly due to AI-driven data center expansion, while traditional fossil fuel power output is expected to decline. Predictions indicate a 46% increase in solar generation and a 12% rise in wind power over the next two years, illustrating the ongoing transition towards more sustainable energy sources despite political challenges. Internationally, China is seeking tighter control over iron ore pricing through its dominant state-backed corporation, which poses risks for global suppliers. Meanwhile, Taiwan has announced intentions to deepen ties with the U.S. in artificial intelligence following a tariff reduction agreement, a move likely to escalate tensions with China further. Finally, France's government is now expected to force through a 2026 budget bill without a vote in parliament after months of talks with lawmakers failed to reach a compromise.
    Show More Show Less
    3 mins
  • Prysmian hits record high as analysts double down - Jan 15, 2025

    Prysmian hits record high as analysts double down - Jan 15, 2025
    Jan 15 2026
    As of January 15, today's news is dominated by positive developments for Prysmian, reflecting strong analyst sentiments and expectations for continued growth within the electrification market. Prysmian shares have reached an all-time high, closing at 93.60 euros, and exhibiting a substantial gain of 4.86% during trading. The surge follows a pre-earnings call where executives expressed confidence in meeting and potentially exceeding their 2025 guidance, particularly in their Transmission division, which is anticipated to be a key growth driver. A string of major analysts has reaffirmed a constructive view on Prysmian. J.P. Morgan raised its target price to 102 euros from 91 euros while reiterating a “buy” rating, a stance echoed by UBS and Deutsche Bank, which confirmed their buy recommendations with target prices of 105 euros and 97 euros, respectively. Citi also lifted its price target to 102 euros, maintaining a positive view on the stock, while Banca Akros stood by its “accumulate” rating. Shifting focus to the broader market, Nexans announced a restructuring of its Executive Committee, aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and strengthening its competitiveness in response to evolving market demands. This organizational change is set to take effect in January 2026 under the leadership of CEO Julien Hueber, with a focus on maximizing commercial potential and industrial performance. On the commodities front, copper prices have experienced a decline from recent record highs due to easing concerns surrounding potential U.S. tariffs on critical minerals and the strengthening of the dollar. Nevertheless, the expectations surrounding increased demand for electric vehicles and renewable energy continue to stimulate discussions on grid modernization technologies necessary for adapting to this rising energy demand. In a notable international development, U.S. President Trump has faced scrutiny from lawmakers regarding his administration's decision to permit Nvidia to sell advanced AI chips to China, a move perceived as undermining the U.S.'s competitive edge in artificial intelligence. Finally, European countries sent small numbers of military personnel to Greenlandon today as Denmark said it was pressing on with plans for a "larger and more permanent" NATO presence to secure the island coveted by U.S. President Donald Trump.
    Show More Show Less
    3 mins