Apple Inc. is taking a strong stance against a shareholder proposal that seeks to eliminate its diversity initiatives. The company has urged its shareholders to vote against the motion during the upcoming annual meeting scheduled for the end of February. Recently, a number of companies in the United States have either significantly scaled back or completely discontinued their diversity, equity,...

The dream of owning a home has become increasingly elusive for many individuals in Germany. The rise in property prices, even amid recent declines in some areas, has made it necessary for prospective buyers to carefully assess their financial capabilities before beginning their search for a home. In cities like Munich, where real estate prices remain among the highest in the country, the average...

In a significant shift for the retail landscape, the international furniture retailer Wayfair has announced its withdrawal from the German market, a move that will lead to the elimination of approximately 730 jobs. This decision comes as the company grapples with ongoing challenges in achieving profitability and market share in Germany. Wayfair's exit, effective immediately, marks the end of a...

In a bold stance against shareholder demands, Apple Inc. has reaffirmed its commitment to its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. As several U.S. companies scale back their diversity efforts in light of changing political climates, Apple is urging its shareholders to vote against a proposal that seeks to dismantle these critical initiatives during the upcoming annual meeting. The tech...

Impact of the Sale of an Insolvent Machinery Manufacturer on the Industry A prominent high-tech machinery manufacturer based in Reutlingen, near Stuttgart, is poised for sale following its insolvency filing in December. The company, known as Manz, has a global workforce of approximately 1,200 employees, all of whom are now facing uncertainty about their future. Insolvency proceedings have been...

München - A new proposal put forth by the Association of Bavarian Business (vbw) has outlined a series of urgent recommendations for the incoming federal government following the recent elections. Central to this plan is the immediate elimination of the early retirement option at 63 years of age.According to Wolfram Hatz, the president of vbw, Germany's current economic landscape is marked by...

The latest data on retail trade within the Eurozone reveals a modest uptick in activity following a decline observed in October. This development comes as businesses continue to navigate a complex economic landscape marked by inflationary pressures and fluctuating consumer demand. According to the European Union's statistical office, Eurostat, retail sales in the Eurozone increased slightly in...

German family-owned businesses are increasingly alarmed about the economic outlook for 2025. A recent survey conducted by the associations representing family entrepreneurs reveals that only 31% of these firms anticipate growth, a decline from 34% last year and 40% in 2023. Experts warn that Germany is facing a severe crisis in growth and investment. Since the inception of this survey in 2011, the...

Recent developments in the U.S. automotive market have dealt a significant blow to German manufacturers, particularly Volkswagen and Stellantis, as new guidelines for electric vehicle (EV) subsidies are introduced. The impending administration of Donald Trump is expected to alter existing environmental initiatives favoring EVs, a move that raises concerns for European automakers. Under the new...

Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur and CEO of Tesla, is escalating his legal battle over a massive stock package valued at over $100 billion. Musk has filed an appeal against a Delaware judge's ruling that denied him access to the stock options, which are part of a compensation plan established in 2018. The controversy began when a group of Tesla shareholders challenged the legitimacy of the...

In Germany, the rate of sick leave among employees has reached alarming levels, raising questions about the underlying causes. Recent statements from health officials and studies suggest that the increase in absenteeism is not predominantly due to employees feigning illness, but rather linked to the introduction of digital sick notes and a rise in respiratory infections.According to the German...

Relations between Japan and the United States are experiencing significant strain due to a contentious proposed acquisition of US Steel by Nippon Steel, Japan's largest steel manufacturer. Eiji Hashimoto, CEO of Nippon Steel, has publicly criticized the U.S. government's decision to block the $14 billion deal, labeling it as unacceptable and legally questionable. For over a year, Nippon Steel has...

As the year concluded, inflation in Germany accelerated, with consumer prices in December rising by 2.6% compared to the same month in the previous year. This marks an increase from the 2.2% rate observed in November, according to preliminary data released by the Federal Statistical Office. The rise in inflation reflects ongoing economic pressures, which have made everyday purchases more expensive...

Athens, Greece - Despite a notable economic upturn, public sentiment remains largely negative as many citizens feel disconnected from the country's financial recovery. Recent statistics indicate that Greece's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by an estimated 2.3% in 2024, surpassing the performance of several other European nations. The country's finance minister, Kostis Hatzidakis, expressed...

Elon Musk's company, SpaceX, is reportedly in advanced discussions with the Italian government regarding a substantial contract valued at EUR1.5 billion. This deal aims to furnish the government with secure telecommunications services, as reported by Bloomberg News.The ongoing negotiations could lead to a five-year contract, although a final agreement has yet to be reached. Sources indicate that...

A prominent electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturer based in the United Kingdom has issued a stark warning about its financial viability, indicating that it may exhaust its cash reserves within a matter of months. The company, which plays a crucial role in the burgeoning EV market, has cited a combination of factors contributing to its precarious situation. With the demand for electric vehicles...

In a significant proposal reflecting on the rising absenteeism in Germany, Allianz CEO Oliver Bäte has suggested the removal of salary compensation for employees on their first day of illness. This recommendation comes amid a growing concern over the economic implications of high sick leave rates affecting businesses. Bäte emphasized the need for reform by stating that reintroducing a waiting...

As Germany enters 2025, a significant shift in the fiscal landscape is unfolding, characterized by reductions in taxes alongside increases in social contributions. This dual approach has sparked debate over its implications for various income groups, as highlighted by recent analyses from economists.The adjustments are primarily aimed at addressing the issue of cold progression, which affects...

Vienna is set to lose a significant piece of its culinary heritage as Schlumberger, a renowned producer of sparkling wine, announces the cessation of its production in the city by mid-2025. This decision marks the conclusion of a 182-year-long tradition in the Austrian capital, where Schlumberger has been a staple in the sparkling wine industry.The company's production will not only halt in Vienna...

As the new year begins, families in Germany are facing unexpected delays in receiving the increased child benefit payments that were anticipated for 2025. The government approved a rise in child benefit, raising the monthly payment to EUR255 per child, but parents will not see this increase reflected in their January payments.The child benefit hike was part of a broader relief package approved by...