As every Sunday, the most important news from the past week, as well as the most important dates for the coming week.
Also as a video:
https://youtube.com/shorts/fhs9j54dHlw?is=Cp2tXUbrfgPRWEaL
Monday:
Unicredit $UCG (-5.26%) Unicredit makes a hostile takeover bid for Germany's second-largest bank, forcing Commerzbank to the negotiating table. $CBK (-3.93%) Commerzbank to the negotiating table. Unicredit joined Commerzbank in September 2024 and now holds more than 30% of the shares. However, in addition to the management and employees, the German government is also opposed to a transaction. The German government holds 12% of the shares.
The photo book service provider $CWC (-3.28%) Cewe from Oldenburg is planning its 17th dividend increase (rare in Germany). The dividend is to rise from 2.85 euros to 3 euros per share. Turnover and EBIT increased in the single-digit percentage range.
Tuesday:
'Special assets' is not only the bad word of the year 2025, it is also the epitome of the state's lack of responsibility with regard to disenchantment with politics. Contrary to what was announced, studies by ifo and IW now show that the majority of 'assets' were not invested in infrastructure, but were used to plug budget holes.
The week of interest rate decisions - the Reserve Bank of Australia raises key interest rates from 3.85% to 4.1% due to high inflation expectations in the wake of the Iran war. This is the second rate hike in a row. The decision was very close, with 5 votes to 4. However, the question was not whether interest rates should be raised, but when.
Wednesday:
The Fed leaves the key interest rate constant at a range of 3.5 - 3.75%. In addition, the US central bank leaves itself open to lowering interest rates again this year, even if the Iran war fuels inflation concerns.
Thursday:
The Bank of England also leaves interest rates at the same level. The vote was unanimous.
The ECB acted in the same way, leaving the key interest rate at 2%. However, the markets expect that the ECB will soon have to raise interest rates. As a result, bond yields are already rising.
The most important dates in the coming week:
Tuesday: 10:00 HCOB data (EU)
Tuesday: 14:45 S&P Global data (USA)
Wednesday: 10:00 ifo current assessment (DE)
Can you think of any other dates?