Europe has gone from relying entirely on cheap Russian gas to relying entirely on expensive US LNG
Source: zerohedge
Germany’s Dax index ended the year 2024 with a 18.85% gain after 20.3% rally in 2023
meaning the German benchmark index concluded its biggest 2-year run in more than a decade, even though Germany's GDP shrank in 2023 and probably also in 2024. 👉 SAP, Siemens Energy and Rheinmetall are among top performers. 👉 Chinese competition and lagging demand weigh on automakers. Source: Bloomberg, HolgerZ
Italy and France are exceeding the EU’s 3% of GDP deficit rule by nearly double!
Chart: @robin_j_brooks, Alex Joosten @joosteninvestor
In Germany, Gas storage levels have fallen to 83.3% due to colder weather, marking the lowest level for the end of December since Russia's war against Ukraine began.
By comparison, storage levels were 91% full in 2023 and 88% in 2022. Source: HolgerZ, Bloomberg
As mentioned by Michel A. Arouet on X: If it wasn’t so sad, it would be quite funny
Source: Michel A. Arouet on X
France Adds First Nuclear Reactor in 25 Years to the Grid
France connected the Flamanville 3 nuclear reactor to its grid on Saturday morning, state-run operator EDF announced. This marks the first addition to the country's nuclear power network in 25 years. The reactor, which began operating in September before being connected to the grid, is coming online 12 years later than originally planned and at a cost of approximately 13 billion euros—four times the initial budget. EDF is planning to construct six additional reactors to meet a 2022 pledge made by President Emmanuel Macron as part of France's energy transition plans. However, questions remain regarding the funding and timeline for these new projects. source : reuters
What has happened in Poland is nothing short of an economic miracle. Hard work and entrepreneurial spirit pay off.
30 years ago Poles were emigrating due to economic reasons. Today many Poles buy real estate in places like Marbella. Source: Michel A.Arouet
France has a new government - Back to the future?
French President Emmanuel Macron’s office announced a new government Monday, after the previous Cabinet collapsed in a historic vote prompted by fighting over the country’s budget. Coming up with a 2025 budget will be the most urgent order of business. The new government enters office after months of political deadlock and crisis and pressure from financial markets to reduce France’s colossal debt. The government, put together by newly named Prime Minister Francois Bayrou, includes members of the outgoing conservative-dominated team and new figures from centrist or left-leaning backgrounds. Among them: two former Prime minister - Manuel Walls and Elizabeth Borne. Both failed. Back to the future?
