Berlin / Bloomberg The 1.6 billion-euro ($1.8 billion) Merkur offshore wind project in the German North Sea reached financial close with funding from European and US investors. Switzerland-based Partners Group Holding AG invested 250 million euros for 50 percent of the project, according to a statement on Friday. InfraRed Capital Partners Ltd.’s Infrastructure Fund III committed took a 25 …

  Bloomberg The ruble advanced the most in emerging markets and the cost of insuring Russian debt against default dropped as calls for an easing of tensions in Crimea allowed investors to focus on the rally in oil. The currency climbed 0.7 percent as Germany said it’s suggesting ways to address a renewed confrontation between Russia and Ukraine. The advance …

  Bloomberg Speculators are the most bearish on the pound since records began as they await data that will give the clearest picture yet of the effects of Britain’s decision to leave the European Union. Sterling touched a one-month low versus the dollar before reports this week on July inflation, retail sales and jobless claims, which are forecast to show …