As of January 9, today’s news features the EU’s push on global trade agreements and renewed M&A activity in the mining industry. European Union countries backed a trade deal with the so-called Mercosur bloc of countries in South America, paving the way for the EU to sign its largest free-trade agreement next week. EU ambassadors supported the deal at a meeting in Brussels today, despite the opposition of France and a number of countries, according to people familiar with the matter, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. Meanwhile, Glencore shares rose by almost 10% today following news it is in talks with Rio Tinto about a potential takeover that would create the world's largest mining group, valued at almost 207 billion dollars. While Glencore gained, Rio Tinto shares fell by as much as 3%, reflecting investor scepticism towards a deal and concerns it will overpay. Turning to market updates, copper and nickel prices are anticipated to finish the week on a high note despite a recent selloff driven by profit-booking after favorable price rallies. The London Metal Exchange reported a rebound in copper prices, reflecting ongoing supply constraints, particularly in the U.S. The recent fluctuations in prices underscore the dual challenges of inflationary pressures and tariff-related uncertainties, influencing market dynamics significantly. Looking at broader macro trends, the U.S. Supreme Court is poised to announce rulings that may impact President Trump's global tariff regime, which has faced legal challenges questioning its legitimacy. This case could redefine presidential powers regarding economic controls, bearing implications for international trade and economic relations. In the energy sector, Barclays raised its price target for National Grid, referencing new growth opportunities in the UK energy landscape stemming from recent regulatory updates. Meanwhile, China is advocating for increased onsite renewable energy usage in industrial parks, indicating a strategic push for greener manufacturing processes. Amid these developments, U.S. President Donald Trump said he had canceled a second wave of attacks on Venezuela following cooperation from the South American nation.

As of January 8, today’s news is dominated by the potential implications of the U.S. Supreme Court's deliberations on President Trump's emergency tariff powers and the resulting market risks. The Supreme Court is poised to rule on whether Trump can legally impose tariffs through the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, with a decision expected soon, as reported by Reuters. Analysts warn that striking down these tariffs could have significant repercussions for financial markets, potentially leading to substantial government refunds amounting to tens of billions of dollars and heightened volatility across equity markets. Current predictions indicate a 30% likelihood that the court will uphold the tariffs, which if deemed unlawful, would disrupt government revenue and economic stability, leading to increased Treasury yields. In related tariff news, U.S. consumers are facing record high prices for aluminum due to a combination of domestic tariffs and global supply shortages. Since President Trump doubled the tariffs on aluminum imports to 50% last June, prices have surged by 40%, now exceeding 5,200 euros per metric ton. This escalation impacts manufacturing costs across various industries, intensifying inflationary pressures. Meanwhile, growth in the AI and defense sectors will boost global copper demand 50% by 2040, but supplies are expected to fall short by more than 10 million metric tons annually without more recycling and mining, the consultancy S&P Global said today. On the corporate landscape, American Electric Power has committed to a 2.65 billion dollars deal to significantly advance its solid oxide fuel cell capabilities. This move includes the acquisition of 1,000 megawatts of fuel cell technology as part of a strategic shift towards more sustainable energy solutions. In the realm of technology, Samsung Electronics is forecasting a record profit for the fourth quarter of this year, projecting a three-fold increase to approximately 13.82 billion dollars, largely driven by the burgeoning demand for AI and memory chip products. This surge underscores the competitive pressure as chipmakers struggle to keep pace with market needs. On the international stage, President Trump’s recent move to assert control over Venezuela's oil revenue and facilitate the import of previously sanctioned Venezuelan crude into the U.S. demonstrates a strategic pivot aimed at countering Chinese influence in the Western Hemisphere. This approach signals stark shifts in both foreign policy and energy regulations, raising questions about the potential impact on U.S. oil companies caught in the crossfire.

As of January 7, today’s news sees an analysis by Citywire on Prysmian’s positioning within the AI-driven infrastructure boom and renewed pressure on the UK’s energy transition. Citywire analysed Prysmian as an indirect beneficiary of the AI boom, highlighting its growing role in power grids and data-centre infrastructure. Drawing on insights from top-performing institutional investors, Citywire highlighted Prysmian’s strategic acquisitions, strong revenue growth and increasing exposure to the US market. Meanwhile, Britain increased the share of electricity generated from fossil fuels last year for the first time in four years, a reversal that highlights the challenges facing the government’s plan to run a clean power system by 2030, Bloomberg reported. In market developments, Nexans faced a sell-off, dropping by as much as 5% due to ongoing rescheduling activities concerning the Great Sea Interconnector project, which spawned investor concern about the company's execution timeline. Analysts have indicated that while the delay may not impact 2028 financial guidance, it raises questions about achieving expected earnings growth in their Power Transmission unit. On an international scale, tensions escalated as Orsted's Sunrise Wind project in the US faced a lease suspension, prompting plans for legal action against the government's decision, which has stunted the project at a crucial development phase. Meanwhile, Japan's nuclear watchdog halted reviews of Chubu Electric's nuclear plant due to mishandled seismic data in a significant regulatory setback for the company. In a broader scenario, geopolitical tensions have surfaced, particularly with China reportedly urging technology firms to pause orders for Nvidia's H200 chips, reflecting ongoing conflicts surrounding semiconductor trade with the US and domestic strategies in AI development. Finally, amidst heightened diplomacy, Ukraine's President Zelenskiy is advocating for a new meeting with US President Trump to discuss crucial security guarantees in light of ongoing peace negotiations regarding the conflict with Russia.

As of December 23, today’s news sees tighter European Union rules on plastic imports and fresh signals on the strength and potential slowdown of U.S. economic growth. The European Union will introduce stricter rules for imports of plastics, the European Commission said today, as it attempts to help European recycling plants that are struggling to compete with cheaper imports. Europe's plastics-recycling industry has lost more capacity in 2025 than in any previous year, with low-cost plastic imports and high energy costs driving plant closures in countries including the Netherlands, according to industry group Plastics Recyclers Europe. Meanwhile, the U.S. economy likely grew at a brisk clip in the third quarter, driven by solid consumer spending and business investment, but momentum appears to have since faded amid the rising cost of living and recent government shutdown. In the wind energy sector, 2025 is being forecasted as a challenging year due to a combination of policy reversals, notably under President Trump's administration, which has effectively halted offshore wind project work citing national security concerns, Reuters reported. Projects from major companies like Orsted and Dominion Energy face significant delays, prompting adverse reactions from industry stakeholders. Despite this, long-term expectations remain cautiously optimistic for 2026, as adjustments in auction policies and supply chains may drive renewed growth in the sector. On the corporate front, Alphabet has announced its acquisition of data center and energy infrastructure provider Intersect for 4.75 billion dollars. This move is part of Alphabet's strategy to bolster its computing and energy capabilities amidst an increasing demand driven by artificial intelligence developments. Meanwhile, the German government is poised to receive support from the European Commission for energy price aid aimed at sustaining manufacturing sectors dealing with high operational costs. Initiatives include capping energy prices for smaller companies, which further underscores the EU's focus on protecting industries from external competition. On the global stage, Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said on Tuesday he was "sad" about U.S. President Donald Trump's renewed expression of interest in acquiring the Arctic territory.

As of December 22, today’s news is dominated by Prysmian’s strategic partnership with Eni's Versalis, alongside significant developments in the industrial and energy sectors. Prysmian and Versalis, Eni’s chemical company, have signed a strategic partnership to give new life to plastic cable scrap, through an innovative chemical recycling process, developing a dedicated supply chain, the company said in a statement. Following this agreement, Prysmian will collect plastic scrap from its own production as well as from decommissioned cables coming from major customers, while Versalis will use its Hoop technology at its Mantua plant, Italy, to transform the scrap first into a pyrolysis oil, and then into a new material for new plastic polymers. Prysmian will then use these polymers in the production of new high-performance cables. Meanwhile, after a year marked by tariff uncertainty, Europe’s industrial giants are expecting a solid 2026 as the data center buildout continues, electrification demand accelerates and manufacturing activity recovers. The Stoxx Europe 600 industrials index is expected to deliver earnings-per-share growth of almost 13% next year, compared to 6.6% growth in 2025, Bloomberg Intelligence data shows. Expectations are particularly high for the companies exposed to artificial intelligence infrastructure – including Prysmian, Schneider Electric and Siemens Energy. Turning to market updates, Nexans has entered exclusive negotiations to sell its Autoelectric division to Samvardhana Motherson International Limited for a deal valued at 207 million euros. This sale marks a strategic step in Nexans’s shift towards focusing on electrification, having divested various non-electrification businesses since 2023. The Autoelectric division, based in Germany, specializes in wiring solutions for the automotive sector, realizing approximately 749 million euros in annual sales. On the materials front, copper prices surged to record highs spurred by supply concerns and speculative trading. Benchmark prices on the London Metal Exchange reached nearly 11,996 dollars per metric ton, reflecting a 36% increase this year due to ongoing disruptions in mining operations and a tightening supply landscape. From an international perspective, US intelligence reports continue to warn that Russian President Vladimir Putin has not abandoned his aims of capturing all of Ukraine and reclaiming parts of Europe that belonged to the former Soviet empire, six sources familiar with U.S. intelligence said, even as negotiators seek an end to the war that would leave Russia with far less territory.

As of December 19, today’s news sees relevant developments in copper pricing and the artificial intelligence sector. Copper prices exhibited a notable increase today, buoyed by investor speculation surrounding potential U.S. interest rate cuts following slower consumer inflation reports. The most active copper contract on the Shanghai Futures Exchange appreciated by 0.46%, although it concluded the week 1.07% lower overall. Meanwhile, the London Metal Exchange saw its benchmark three-month copper price rise by 0.29% to 11,812 dollars per ton, ending the week 2.53% higher. These fluctuations come amid a backdrop of ongoing supply constraints in the copper market, highlighted by bullish forecasts from Goldman Sachs. The firm reiterated its long-term outlook, predicting significant demand growth and targeting a price of 15,000 dollars per ton by 2035. In broader global scenarios, the U.S. administration has initiated a review of Nvidia's advanced AI chip sales to China, which could potentially mark a pivotal shift in technology trade relations. This development is being closely monitored amid concerns that such transactions might enhance China's military capabilities and affect U.S. advantages in AI technology. Elsewhere, as the Trump administration faces a deadline to release documents related to the investigations into Jeffrey Epstein, there is mounting anticipation regarding the implications of these disclosures on political narratives in the U.S.

As of December 18, today’s news includes a corporate initiative by Prysmian aimed at celebrating its deep-rooted connection with the Milanese district of Bicocca through a series of symbolic holiday installations, and critical discussions among EU leaders regarding Ukraine. Prysmian has decided to mark the upcoming holiday season by underlining its historic links with Milan’s Bicocca district. Prysmian has marked the occasion by lighting a Christmas Tree in the middle of the Piazza Torre Breda, a place where thousands of residents, office workers and shoppers pass year-round. Prysmian has also illuminated over 4km of road, connecting the centre of the city to Bicocca – Viale Fulvio Testi – with colours and messages to underscore the spirit of energy, togetherness and home for visits coming into and leaving both Milan and the district this winter. Meanwhile, by 2025, Terna expects to bring into operation development infrastructure worth around 800 million euros. The results recorded over the year confirm the company’s commitment to strengthening the security and resilience of Italy’s national transmission grid, in support of the country’s energy transition. Since 2023, the value of projects delivered into full operation has exceeded 2 billion euros. Turning to international markets, China's Commerce Ministry announced new streamlined export licenses for rare earth elements, aiming to expedite shipments of these critical materials. While some exporters have met the basic requirements for permits, European firms have not confirmed receipt of such licenses yet, although discussions about them are ongoing within the European Commission. In the technology sector, Micron Technology's shares surged nearly 16% following a compelling profit forecast, fueled by a global memory chip shortage driven by strong demand from AI data centers. Traders indicated that prices in this segment are rising significantly, benefiting not just Micron but also its competitors. On another front, the European Union conducted a crucial summit to discuss the possibility of utilizing frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine's war efforts. EU leaders are under pressure to demonstrate unity and resolve, given their ongoing need to finance Ukraine amid geopolitical tensions. The European Commission has proposed leveraging these assets, mainly held in Belgium, to secure loans for Kyiv.

Leadership Talks – a Prysmian podcast created to share insights and discuss the latest news with our leadership team. In this episode, Massimo Battaini, Prysmian CEO offers a recap of the past year, reflecting on key achievements and challenges.

As of December 17, today’s news sees developments in inflation trends in the UK and strategic moves by major corporations in the tech and energy sectors. British inflation fell much more sharply than forecast in November to 3.2%, its lowest since March, from 3.6% in October, official data showed today, cementing market expectations that the Bank of England will cut interest rates on Thursday. Meanwhile, Alphabet's Google is working on a new initiative to make its artificial intelligence chips better at running PyTorch, the world’s most widely used AI software framework, in a move aimed at weakening Nvidia's longstanding dominance of the AI computing market, according to people familiar with the matter. Turning to market updates, Nexans has completed its acquisition of Electro Cables, reinforcing its low-voltage solutions segment in North America. This acquisition, fully financed in cash, is expected to be accretive to earnings from year one. Furthermore, copper prices showed a notable rise, driven by mixed U.S. labor market data which revealed a rebound in job growth. The most-traded copper contract on the Shanghai Futures Exchange increased by 0.49%, while the benchmark three-month copper price on the London Metal Exchange rose by 1.15%. This uptick suggests a correlation with improved economic conditions and rising demand for the metal. From the international front, Amazon is reportedly in negotiations to invest around 10 billion dollars in OpenAI, which could elevate OpenAI's valuation above 500 billion dollars. This potential investment demonstrates the fierce competition in the AI sector for computing resources, with other notable players like Nvidia and Oracle already having substantial deals with OpenAI. Conversely, Oracle has faced obstacles in its data center plans as Blue Owl Capital has withdrawn from a 10 billion dollars deal intended to fund a new facility, amid concerns about Oracle's rising debt linked to AI expenditures. Finally, a strategic development in the semiconductor sector comes from China, where engineers have reportedly created a prototype machine capable of producing advanced semiconductor chips, aiming to compete against Western technology, Reuters has learned. This initiative underscores ongoing tensions and competition in the global tech arena.

As of December 16, today’s news highlights contrasting moves in European equities, with analyst upgrades supporting Prysmian while defense stocks come under pressure amid geopolitical developments. UBS has reaffirmed its Buy rating on Prysmian and raised its target price to 105 euros. The bank emphasized Prysmian's strong anticipated growth in EBIT until 2027-28 within the electrification sector and pointed out opportunities arising from a robust order book, strong demand in the United States, and exposure to structural trends such as electric grids and data centers. Meanwhile, Fincantieri shares dropped as much as 9.9% in Milan trading, with other European defense stocks declining as well, after the U.S. offered Ukraine a security guarantee that could help bring the continent closer to peace. The Italian company also released its updated 2026–30 target: 2028 revenues at about 11 billion euros, Ebitda in the same period at about 930 million euros. In market developments, NKT announced the completion of an investment for a new test hall and capacity expansion at its site for cable accessories in Sweden. In the broader energy scenario, the European Commission is set to make concessions regarding its planned ban on new combustion-engine vehicles from 2035. Intense pressure from key automotive nations such as Germany and Italy has led to proposals allowing the continued sale of certain non-electric vehicles, marking a shift that reflects the challenges facing the electric vehicle (EV) transition. The change acknowledges industry concerns over competitiveness compared to EV powerhouses like Tesla and manufacturers from China. Corporate movements in the oil and gas sector also captured attention, particularly as Shell's chief of mergers, Greg Gut, left the company following the blocking of a proposed acquisition of BP. This development underscores the complexities within the industry as major players reassess their strategies. Meanwhile, in Italy, the offshore wind energy initiative is facing delays due to bureaucratic hurdles, raising concerns over the country's climate objectives and impacting investor sentiment. As the transition toward electric vehicles unfolds, companies like Ford are facing substantial challenges, recently announcing a writedown related to its electric vehicle programs as it shifts focus amid market pressures. This highlights a growing theme of uncertainty across the sector as key players navigate the path forward. Globally, ongoing tensions and diplomatic efforts are significant. An International Claims Commission has been established to address damages from the ongoing war in Ukraine, reflecting Europe's commitment to ensuring accountability for Russian actions.

As of December 15, today’s news features developments surrounding Prysmian, particularly positive financial analyst evaluations, alongside significant market activities and geopolitical updates. Prysmian stock has received a boost with Jefferies raising its target price from 102 euros to 104 euros, reaffirming a "buy" rating as shares increased by 2.6% to 84.86 euros. Analysts emphasize a promising outlook for the cable sector, highlighting a solid order backlog and potential gains in the transmission segment. They have also adjusted their EBITDA estimates for 2026-2028 upwards by 2-3%, noting that factors such as potential mergers and acquisitions and the company's listing in the U.S. could serve as additional catalysts for growth. In broader market news, Reuters said that Siemens Energy looks like an activist’s ideal target. The 104 billion euros German turbine maker is benefiting from an AI-driven surge in electricity demand, yet it still trades at a steep discount to U.S. rival GE Vernova. Despite a 130% rally in the past year, Siemens Energy’s shares reflect lingering doubts over whether growth in its core businesses can fully offset uncertainty in the wind unit, Reuters add. Meanwhile, Tesla continues to draw attention with its board of directors earning over 3 billion dollars from stock awards, significantly eclipsing similar compensation in other major U.S. technology companies. Furthermore, China's aluminium production showed a modest increase of 2.5% year-on-year in November, underscoring ongoing resilience in the country's non-ferrous metals sector. Looking at financial trends, investors remain optimistic regarding European banks as they expect shares to gain further momentum into 2026, buoyed by earnings growth and efficiencies derived from artificial intelligence. The decline in recession fears has positively shifted investor sentiment, although the complexities of the market environment persist. In the shifting landscape of regulatory frameworks, the European Commission appears poised to reconsider its 2035 ban on new combustion-engine vehicles in light of pressure from automakers. This move could potentially delay or entirely soften the ban, representing a significant pivot from previous green initiatives. Internationally, discussions surrounding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine have intensified, with U.S. negotiators reportedly urging Ukraine to withdraw from the Donetsk region as part of a potential peace deal. This development points to critical diplomatic negotiations aimed at resolving a protracted conflict, amid various pressures on Ukraine's government.

As of December 12, today’s news features potential shifts in commodity pricing due to regulatory changes in the EU, and developments in energy infrastructure, particularly National Grid's new control centre funding. Imports of aluminium, cement and other commodities into the European Union could face higher costs than previously expected for CO2 emissions next year under draft EU plans to tighten its carbon border levy. From January, the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism will impose fees on imports of certain industrial products, based on the emissions embedded in their production. The policy is designed to shield European producers against cheaper imports from countries with less ambitious climate rules. Meanwhile, Ofgem has awarded National Grid 48.6 million pounds for the development of a new control centre. National Grid unveiled plans to build a new, state-of-the-art control centre to reinforce network resilience earlier this year. Turning to market updates, new challenges are emerging as the U.S. and Europe face pressing demands for power grid connections due to a surge in data center and industrial projects. Traditional methods for connecting large loads are proving inefficient, leading utilities to explore new strategies for managing the connection application process. The situation is especially critical in regions like Texas and the UK, where demand queues have surged dramatically. In commodity markets, copper has shown some volatility, recently peaking close to 12,000 euros per metric ton before easing slightly. Analysts suggest supply disruptions could stabilize prices around the 11,000 euros mark, but a significant demand boost, particularly from China, is crucial for continued price increases. Moreover, in the tech sector, Nvidia is considering ramping up production of its H200 AI chips due to strong demand from Chinese clients, following a recent U.S. government indication that it may permit such exports. Lastly, global political developments see U.S. envoy John Coale engaging with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko in negotiations surrounding political prisoners, indicating ongoing diplomatic efforts amid regional tensions.

As of December 11, today’s news sees downturn in Prysmian's share price following Oracle's disappointing earnings report, which rekindled fears of an AI investment bubble and impacted numerous technology stocks. Prysmian experienced a drop of 2.8%, closing at 83.92 euros, as Oracle reported weak quarterly results that sent shockwaves through the tech sector. The company's increased capital expenditure forecasts sparked investor concerns regarding a potential bubble in AI-related investments. Turning to market updates, France's Schneider Electric plans a share repurchase programme of up to 3.5 billion euros through 2030, its first in nearly three years, and aims to increase its adjusted core profit margin in the same period, the company said today. Elsewhere in the automotive sector, Stellantis is pivoting towards volume sales under new CEO Antonio Filosa, who has instituted urgent measures to recapture market share in North America and Europe. By prioritizing fleet sales and introducing more affordable models, Stellantis aims to address the shortcomings in strategy left by his predecessor, who focused on high-margin sales. From the international front, the Federal Reserve's latest decision to cut interest rates by a quarter-percentage point has stirred discussions around U.S. monetary policy's future amid persistent inflation concerns. Chair Jerome Powell suggested that increased productivity could help navigate the backdrop of a challenging economic landscape, which reflects policymakers' cautious optimism while acknowledging uncertainties in the labor market.

As of December 10, today’s news sees developments in energy infrastructure, the AI sector's reliance on data centers, and international geopolitical tensions. Prysmian has emerged positively on the stock market today, witnessing an increase of 2.4% amidst a generally negative backdrop in Milan, where the overall market was down by 0.3%. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump's freeze on approvals for major onshore wind and solar projects is leaving thousands of megawatts of clean power capacity in limbo at a time of soaring demand for electricity, a Reuters review of permitting data and interviews with industry officials shows. Just one solar project has been approved on federal lands since Trump took office in January, and none have been permitted since July when Interior Secretary Doug Burgum ordered that all new decisions related to renewable energy projects require his personal sign-off. Furthermore, the European Commission adopted its European Grids Package earlier today. The Package sets out the Commission’s plan for a pan-European electricity network to support decarbonization and energy security. In particular, it emphasises faster permitting, more centralised planning, new investment tools, and stronger cross-border interconnections, including updates to the TEN-E regulation. Turning to market updates, the artificial intelligence boom continues to drive massive investments in data center infrastructure, estimated at 3 trillion dollars to support cloud computing and AI by 2028. However, concerns are arising over the creditworthiness of emerging renters in this space, as the stability of the sector depends heavily on the financial health of these companies. Oracle’s recent partnership with OpenAI raises further scrutiny as the tech giant balances a high debt load with ambitious cloud expansion plans. Simultaneously, geopolitical tensions escalate following Trump’s decision to allow Nvidia to ship advanced chips to China, stirring concerns over military implications. This move has drawn criticism for potentially undermining U.S. technological advantages and could affect international security. Regarding global trends, the U.S. Federal Reserve is expected to implement a quarter-percentage-point rate cut, but there are varying opinions among policymakers regarding the future trajectory of interest rates, considering the recent economic turbulence caused by the government shutdown.

As of December 9, today’s news sees developments regarding the Great Sea Interconnector project involving Nexans and ongoing trends in the energy sector. Nexans is at the forefront of the news as it has reaffirmed its commitment to execute the Great Sea Interconnector project, despite reports suggesting a freeze in its progress. The company stated it continues to operate in line with contractual obligations and established milestones with its customer, IPTO, the Greek electricity transmission operator. Recent media from Cyprus suggested that tenders for the project had been canceled due to a joint decision by Cyprus and Greece to update technical and economic studies. Turning to broader market conditions, a federal judge in the U.S. has overturned a halt on wind energy project approvals initiated by the Trump's administration, ruling that the agencies failed to provide adequate justification for such a moratorium. This ruling supports ongoing efforts from various states to advance renewable energy initiatives. In a related industry development, Ananym Capital has acquired a stake in Siemens Energy, urging for a review and potential spin-off of its struggling wind division, which they claim could enhance shareholder value significantly. On the corporate front, Stellantis has announced a collaboration with Bolt aimed at launching driverless ride-hailing trials across Europe by 2026, integrating advanced autonomous vehicle platforms with an expansive ride-hailing network. In another move, Microsoft is planning a significant investment exceeding 5.4 billion euros in Canada to enhance its cloud and AI infrastructure, reflecting a robust commitment to expanding its operational footprint in the region. In global manufacturing trends, China's steel exports continue to rise while aluminum shipments decline, as domestic demand fluctuates and production caps are informally set to control overcapacity. This could imply cautious forecasts for future production levels in this sector. Finally, on the geopolitical landscape, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy mentioned that refined documents regarding a peace plan with Russia would soon be presented to the U.S., indicating ongoing negotiations amid heightened diplomatic efforts with European allies.

As of December 8, today’s news is dominated by European CEOs expressing pessimism about local economic prospects while favoring U.S. investments, alongside significant developments in the energy and automotive sectors. Chief executives of large European companies are downbeat on Europe's economic prospects, albeit less so than six months ago, and have become more bullish about investing in the U.S. than at home, according to a survey published on Sunday. The survey of the European Round Table for Industry, which comprises about 60 CEOs and chairs of companies such as ASML, BASF and Vodafone, showed respondents found that the business case for investing in Europe was weakening further and that the European Union was too slow to implement required reforms. Meanwhile, U.S. utility company NextEra Energy has expanded its partnership with Alphabet's Google Cloud to build new energy supplies for the company's operations across the U.S., the groups said on Monday. NextEra and Google currently have 3.5 gigawatts of electricity generation - enough to power about 2.5 million homes - in operation or contracted. In other market developments, Danish cable manufacturer NKT and its partner Walsin Lihwa have inaugurated Taiwan’s first offshore power cable factory, expected to commence commercial production by 2027. This facility will enhance the region's capabilities in high- and medium-voltage cable systems crucial for offshore projects, reflecting growing demand for renewable energy infrastructure. Turning to the automotive industry, major car manufacturers and rental firms, including BMW and Toyota, have urged the EU not to set mandatory targets for electric vehicle purchases for corporate fleets, citing high costs and insufficient charging infrastructure as the primary barriers to EV uptake. This plea comes as the EU prepares to issue new proposals aimed at providing flexibility in meeting CO2 emissions targets. On the commodities front, copper prices reached record highs amid supply concerns, driven by China's commitment to stimulate domestic demand. However, prices experienced a retreat due to a stronger U.S. dollar, which is expected to rise following anticipated hawkish commentary from the Federal Reserve. From the international front, European leaders, demonstrating solidarity with Ukraine, met in London to discuss strategies at a critical juncture for Kyiv. They aim to utilize frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine, amid concerns that discussions could favor Moscow in peace negotiations. The group is also seeking U.S. security assurances to bolster deterrence against further Russian aggression.

As of December 5, today's news sees developments surrounding Prysmian, which saw a positive assessment from Bank of America, and market updates on copper. Bank of America has reaffirmed its “buy” rating on Prysmian, lifting its target price to 100 euros from 92 euros. The bank highlighted the group’s strong growth outlook in the transmission business and said tariff-driven benefits tied to electrification are likely to start feeding through in 2026. Turning to market updates, copper prices surged to a historic high, attributed to a revised positive outlook from Citi, alongside a weakened dollar ahead of anticipated U.S. interest rate cuts. On the London Metal Exchange, benchmark copper rose by 1.4% to 11,609.50 dollars per ton, nearing a record peak. Analysts are optimistic, citing emerging supply shortages as a significant driver behind the price increase. In broader scenarios, Poste Italiane is exploring strategic options, including the potential sale of its broadband arm to Telecom Italia, as it seeks to maintain a stake close to the 30% buyout threshold stipulated by upcoming government reforms. This would involve Poste potentially receiving TIM shares as compensation. Additionally, it is notable that India's Adani Group and Hindalco Industries are looking into investments in Peru's copper sector, aiming to leverage growing demand amid new trade discussions between the countries. In the tech regulatory landscape, Europe continues its stringent approach towards major tech firms, recently imposing significant fines on both Google and Elon Musk’s X platform for violations of EU rules, showcasing its resolve against U.S. influence amid ongoing global negotiations. Lastly, the meeting between President Putin and Prime Minister Modi resulted in agreements to bolster trade and defense cooperation, despite India's simultaneous trade discussions with the U.S. aimed at addressing tariffs on Russian commodity imports.

As of December 4, today’s news sees Prysmian's positive market performance also following an upgrade from J.P. Morgan, insights into the UK’s significant energy infrastructure investment, and broader discussions surrounding global trade dynamics. JPMorgan has raised its price target on Prysmian from 93 euros to 101 euros, while reiterating its overweight rating. Meawhile, Europe should establish a sovereign fund dedicated to artificial intelligence. The proposal comes from Alessandro Nespoli, Chief Risk & Compliance Officer at Prysmian, speaking at the first edition of Experts Talk Corporate Leaders, a forum that this week brings together 33 executives, legal experts and academics to discuss the impact of AI on corporate organisation. Turning to market developments, the UK's energy regulator Ofgem has approved an ambitious 37 billion dollars investment plan aimed at upgrading electricity and gas infrastructure. This investment is necessary to modernize aging grids and facilitate the integration of new renewable energy sources. As other European countries face similar infrastructure challenges, the balancing act of upgrading networks while managing consumer costs remains critical. In response to this inflationary pressure, Chancellor Rachel Reeves has announced plans to reduce some green levies from consumer bills, although analysts warn that rising grid costs will likely offset these savings. On a related front, the newly established Great British Energy aims to mobilize 20 billion dollars for 15 gigawatts of clean power by 2030, focusing on wind and solar projects. This initiative reflects the UK government's commitment to enhancing renewable energy contributions while generating jobs and strengthening domestic supply chains amid rising costs in the offshore wind sector. From a corporate perspective, Rio Tinto is pursuing a strategic divestment plan to generate between 5 billion dollars and 10 billion dollars through asset sales and productivity enhancements. This move is indicative of a broader trend among major companies to streamline operations in response to shifting commodity cycles and investor demands for improved returns. Meanwhile, on the technology front, the competition among Big Tech firms, particularly in artificial intelligence, remains intense. Recent innovations, notably from Alphabet with its Gemini 3 model, have reignited discussions about the future trajectories of companies like Apple and Meta. Finally, on the international stage, French President Emmanuel Macron has urged Chinese President Xi Jinping to enhance collaborative efforts on geopolitical issues and trade, especially concerning the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

As of December 3, today’s news features relevant discussions on subsea cable security and energy policy. During the Space&Underwater conference, Davide Taddei, Submarine Telecom Business Director at Prysmian, said that subsea cable security is considered a key competitive advantage. He explained that clients now look for solutions that keep strategic digital and energy assets secure and efficient, extending well beyond standard cable manufacturing and installation. In broader energy discussions, Europe is paying the price for misguided energy policymaking, the head of the International Energy Agency told Euractiv in an interview in Brussels just hours after the EU finally agreed to ban all imports of Russian gas. From 30 September, Moscow gas flows will be turned off step-wise, ending a six-decade trade relationship that saw the EU slip “into a very bad situation” as Fatih Birol, who heads the Paris-based intergovernmental agency, put it. Turning to market updates, copper prices have seen a steady rise due to supply concerns, with the most-traded copper contracts reaching near-record highs. Market focus is shifting towards the impending decision from the U.S. Federal Reserve regarding interest rates. Meanwhile, the financial landscape in Italy is stirring, with Monte dei Paschi di Siena's board expected to meet regarding a probe into its CEO and major shareholders over allegations related to a Mediobanca acquisition, sparking discussions about market integrity. On the global stage, the tech industry is facing a new challenge with a critical memory chip shortage, impacting both artificial intelligence and consumer electronics sectors. Major tech companies are competing fiercely for limited supplies, resulting in rising prices. Finally, in the ongoing dialogue surrounding Ukraine, Russian and U.S. representatives have yet to find common ground despite recent negotiations. The Kremlin has acknowledged acceptance of some U.S. proposals while maintaining readiness for further discussions.

As of December 2, today’s news sees Prysmian receiving the prestigious Transatlantic Award 2025 for its investment in Encore Wire, along with market fluctuations and geopolitical developments. Prysmian has received the prestigious Transatlantic Award 2025 for its 245 million euros investment aimed at expanding the production capacity of the Encore Wire site in Texas. The award was presented during the Gala Dinner organised by the American Chamber of Commerce in Italy. Turning to market updates, copper prices experienced a decline as the dollar strengthened and risk appetite waned. The three-month copper benchmark on the London Metal Exchange dropped by 0.4% to 11,207 dollars per metric ton following a record high of 11,334 dollars the previous session. Analysts suggest that this downturn comes as investors lock in profits against a backdrop of price worries. In the tech sector, Amazon's cloud computing unit, Amazon Web Services (AWS), announced plans to integrate Nvidia technology into future AI computing chips, emphasizing its commitment to providing advanced solutions to AI customers. This strategy was highlighted during AWS's annual cloud computing conference in Las Vegas, which is expected to draw a large audience this week. Looking at broader macro trends, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has reported that global growth remains more resilient than previously anticipated, largely supported by an AI investment boom. However, risks related to potential trade tensions remain, and the OECD has forecasted a modest slowdown in global growth from 3.2% in 2025 to 2.9% in 2026. From the international front, geopolitical tensions were accentuated as U.S. President Donald Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, and son-in-law Jared Kushner are set to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss avenues for ending the ongoing war in Ukraine. This meeting follows previous attempts to negotiate peace, which have thus far not yielded results.