As of July 17, today’s news is dominated by positive developments in the electrification sector, reflecting strong demand which could bode well for Prysmian and Nexans. Prysmian, which rose by 4% on the Milan Stock Exchange, is reported to be positioned to benefit from increased demand for medium- and low-voltage electrical cables, sharing in the optimism following ABB’s report of a 9% organic growth in its Electrification unit. ABB's strength stems from its offerings tied to utilities and particularly its successful data center segments, indicating potentially a positive environment for cable manufacturers like Prysmian and Nexans. The consensus for the second quarter anticipates organic sales growth for these cable manufacturers in the low-to-mid single-digit range. In broader industrial updates, ABB reported a substantial increase in its net profit, surpassing market expectations, fueled by escalating demand for data-center infrastructure and advancements in its electrification technologies. With a record high order intake and a significant rise in U.S. orders, the company's performance highlights a robust trading environment across various sectors, including utilities. The CEO noted that this growth is widespread, covering several business areas and regions, which could signal a strong demand trajectory likely to influence peers within the industry, including Prysmian. Turning to market trends, Britain's OVO Energy announced plans to establish OVO Renewables, a new arm dedicated to modernizing aging wind farms with an initial substantial investment. This initiative aims to enhance output and prolong the operational lifespan of existing infrastructure, responding to the aging wind farm challenges in the UK. In the commodity markets, copper prices faced downward pressure due to a stronger dollar and rising inventories linked to imminent U.S. tariffs, which have stirred uncertainty among traders. This backdrop includes increasing production levels in China, where refined copper output reached record highs, adding to the complexity of the supply landscape. Amidst varying responses to energy policy, the European Commission has proposed including nuclear energy funding in its upcoming budget, a move that has sparked disagreement among member states, particularly with Germany’s staunch refusal. This reflects ongoing tensions within the EU regarding the role of nuclear energy in achieving climate goals. On the geopolitical front, a significant friendship treaty was signed between the UK and Germany, emphasizing enhanced cooperation in defense and economic policies amidst growing uncertainties surrounding U.S. commitments in Europe. This treaty underscores the evolving nature of relationships within Europe, especially against the backdrop of regional security concerns stemming from Russia's aggressive actions. Overall, today's news encapsulates a blend of robust industrial growth, strategic energy initiatives, and shifting geopolitical dynamics, setting the stage for further developments in the energy and infrastructure sectors.