Bloomberg Europe’s consumer-facing companies face a critical choice for when the pandemic passes: should they exploit the expected pickup in business by raising prices? There’s likely to be a rush to hairdressers, restaurants and tourism agencies reopening when virus curbs end, fueled by pent-up demand and a hoard of cash accumulated after more than a year of forced saving. Some ...

Bloomberg The European Union (EU) unveiled several programs aimed at boosting the bloc’s civil, space and defense industries, including a low-earth orbit satellite infrastructure to rival Elon Musk’s Starlink network. The push will aim to provide reliable, secure and cost-effective connectivity for governmental and commercial communications, as well as high-speed broadband throughout Europe, the European Commission said on Monday. The commission ...

Bloomberg Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi has extended a ban on movement between the country’s 20 regions for another month — until late March — as his new government tries to step up a vaccination campaign to counter the pandemic. A cabinet meeting chaired by Draghi prolonged travel curbs between regions until March 27 and maintained a 10 p.m. curfew, ...

Bloomberg The bond selloff continued on Monday as Treasury yields climbed and sovereign debt in Australia and New Zealand slid on concerns about faster inflation, tempering stock market optimism from positive vaccine news. Ten-year Treasury yields climbed to the highest in about a year and an Asian stock gauge turned lower amid a surge in metals that put the focus ...

Bloomberg Sasol Ltd., the South African chemicals and fuel maker, called off a potential $2 billion share sale and announced first-half profit more than tripled. The shares jumped to the highest in a year. The company said it has raised enough cash through asset disposals and cost savings to reduce debt and avoid a rights offer. “A decision was made ...

NEW YORK / WAM At the 59th Session of the Commission for Social Development at the UN, the UAE underscored the importance of digital technologies, universal accessibility, and affordable connectivity to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and promote social development at the UN. Hessa Tahlak, Assistant Undersecretary of Social Development, reflected on how the UAE has made new and emerging ...

ABU DHABI / WAM The first day of the International Defence Exhibition (Idex) and the Naval Defence Exhibition (Navdex) 2021 has seen the UAE Armed Forces sign 19 deals, worth AED 5.03 billion, with local and international companies. The deals came on the first day of the two exhibitions, which will run until February 25. Staff Brigadier-General Mohammed Al Hassani, ...

BRASILIA / WAM Saleh Ahmed Al Suwaidi, UAE Ambassador to Brazil, discussed with Tarcísio Gomes de Freitas, Minister of Infrastructure of Brazil, ways of advancing overall cooperation between the UAE and Brazil, most notably in the infrastructure and investment sectors. They also addressed Brazil’s participation in Expo 2020 Dubai. During the meeting, Al Suwaidi stated that relations between the two ...

ABU DHABI / WAM The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) on Sunday outlined its technology leadership ambition to position the company at the forefront of innovation and advanced technologies, particularly AI and digitalisation, as it kicked off its first Innovation Week. Taking place virtually from February 21-25, the Adnoc Innovation Week is bringing together thousands of its employees to ...

Bloomberg UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak plans to introduce new visas for financial technology workers in next month’s budget, part of a package of proposals in a report aimed at boosting the industry in the country, according to newspapers. The fast-track visa program is designed to lure global talent to Britain’s fintech companies and will mirror a similar policy for scientists, ...