As of February 12, today’s news highlights significant developments in energy policy, particularly relating to France's revised renewable energy plans, alongside corporate shifts in various sectors. In a change to its energy strategy, France trimmed its planned installation of total wind and solar capacity up to 2035 by as much as a fifth, under a new 10-year energy planning law (PPE) announced by the finance minister today, as electricity demand growth was set to slow. The law also reverses a previous legal mandate to shut down 14 nuclear reactors. Meanwhile, in a significant environmental development, the EU has witnessed a decline in utility stocks, driven by a sharp drop in carbon allowances, as German Chancellor Friedrich Merz suggested a possible softening of the EU's carbon market regulations. Among other market shifts, Fincantieri is pivoting towards military shipbuilding, planning to invest approximately 1.9 billion euros by 2030. The company will enhance its production capacity in Italy while reallocating other production to Romania and Vietnam, signaling a strategic focus on defense at a time of increased global tensions. Siemens has raised its profit outlook for 2026 on the back of a strong demand surge for AI-driven data center infrastructure, resulting in a notable rise in its stock prices. In contrast, Iveco reported a 28% decline in its adjusted operating profit, beset by weaker demand in the European truck market and production delays. On the international front, the Pentagon's policy chief has called for NATO to evolve into a partnership model rather than one of dependency, amid ongoing discussions about the organization's future and U.S. involvement. Finally, the administration of President Donald Trump today plans to announce the repeal of a scientific finding that greenhouse gas emissions endanger human health, removing the legal basis for federal climate regulations. The move represents the most sweeping climate change policy rollback by the administration to date, after a string of regulatory cuts and other moves intended to unfetter fossil fuel development and stymie the rollout of clean energy.

As of February 11, today’s news features developments in the energy and metals markets, with a focus on the evolving demand driven by artificial intelligence and geopolitical dynamics surrounding critical minerals. Siemens Energy has experienced nearly a tripling of net profit in the first three months of its fiscal year, fueled by a surge in demand for gas turbines and grid infrastructure related to AI initiatives. As major tech firms planned to invest approximately 600 billion dollars in AI by 2026, Siemens Energy's market value soared to 137 billion euros, marking a 5.2% increase in share prices and hitting a new record. Meanwhile, CME Group is reportedly planning to launch the first-ever futures contract in rare earths, aiming to offer a hedge against the fluctuations of this critical sector dominated by Chinese supply. This move is crucial for diverse stakeholders, including governments and manufacturers, as major elements like neodymium and praseodymium are vital in the energy transition and technology sectors. Turning to market dynamics, Voestalpine reported a narrow miss in its core profit expectations for the first nine months, impacted by an ongoing industrial downturn in Europe and weaknesses in the automotive sector. Despite solid performance in niche markets and planned emissions-cutting investments, generational uncertainties in demand are causing concern among investors regarding the company's broader economic resilience. In energy scenarios, Europe's natural gas demand may grow due to significantly low snow cover affecting hydropower generation in Italy and Austria. With local utilities relying more on gas-fired power to compensate for this shortfall, gas output has already increased markedly compared to last year. Should this trend continue, it could tighten regional gas inventories further, presenting lucrative opportunities for major LNG exporters. Furthermore, industry leaders are also urging the European Union to reduce energy prices, emphasizing the urgent need for competitive pricing similar to that in the U.S. and China. As discussions approach EU leadership meetings, the calls reflect a growing concern for economic viability in an increasingly competitive global landscape. Nickel prices have surged in connection with a reduced output quota from Indonesia's leading nickel mine, illustrating a broader recovery in base metals as global demand remains robust. Meanwhile, other metals such as copper and aluminum are experiencing positive momentum, further driven by favorable market conditions as the dollar weakens. On the international front, the U.S. has initiated "Project Vault," a strategic 12 billion dollars stockpile plan for critical minerals, reflecting a growing multilateral approach to mitigate dependency on China amid rising technological demands. This shift promotes collaborations and agreements with various nations for sourcing essential resources.

As of February 10, today’s news is dominated by advancements in energy infrastructure, particularly in Spain, where Prysmian has completed a significant acquisition. Prysmian has completed the acquisition of ACSM, a leader in solutions for submarine installation, route planning and seabed preparation activities, as communicated in January 2026. With the closing complete, ACSM will be fully consolidated into the Prysmian perimeter for financial reporting as of February 2026, the company said in a statement. In related energy developments, Spain’s power grid operator, Red Electrica de España, announced the completion of a subsea electricity interconnection linking the Canary Islands of Tenerife and La Gomera. This project, which included a 36-kilometre double-circuit cable at 66 kV and new substations, represents an investment of about 145 million euros. The interconnection aims to enhance supply security and facilitate a greater integration of renewable energy, allowing La Gomera to export surplus electricity to Tenerife, thereby contributing to lower greenhouse gas emissions. Turning to market updates, copper prices are experiencing downward pressure amid rising inventories and subdued trading as traders in China prepare for the Lunar New Year. On the London Metal Exchange, copper dipped 0.8%, with demand slowing as pre-holiday buying winds down. Analysts noted a notable 12.3% drop in China’s fourth-quarter copper consumption year-on-year but projected a 4% increase in overall demand for 2025. Meanwhile, in the oil sector, BP announced the suspension of its share buyback program while absorbing approximately 4 billion dollars in charges related to its renewables and biogas assets. The decision, attributed to an incoming CEO and a focus on reducing debt, led to a decline in BP’s shares by over 4%. In broader global scenarios, Australia’s wholesale electricity prices have fallen to their lowest in four years, demonstrating the potential for a renewables-focused energy system to lower consumer costs. This shift supports the idea that overhauls in power infrastructure can provide tangible economic benefits. From the international front, tensions remain between the U.S. and Europe. French President Emmanuel Macron has urged the EU to prepare for renewed friction with the U.S. and to consider the current geopolitical climate a critical moment to push for necessary reforms, enhancing the bloc's global standing. Lastly, Iran is gearing up for renewed discussions with the United States, facilitated by Oman, as both parties aim for a diplomatic resolution ahead of potential military escalations in the region. The visit signals a cautious optimism for ongoing negotiations that could prevent further conflict.

As of February 9, today’s news sees Prysmian's strategic developments and market assessments, alongside broader market dynamics impacting technology and critical minerals. Prysmian is now aiming to strengthen its position in submarine telecommunications, the second pillar of its Transmission business. As reported by Corriere della Sera today, leveraging its well-established expertise, the group plans to capitalize on growth driven by data centers and artificial intelligence to become a global player in subsea telecoms as well. Meanwhile, Deutsche Bank moved its recommendation from “Buy” to “Hold” and raised its target price on Prysmian to 100 euros from 97 euros. Banca Akros has confirmed its “Accumulate” rating on Prysmian, maintaining a target price of 93 euros. On the broader market front, the U.S. is intensifying its efforts to secure critical minerals in Africa, utilizing offtake deals to compete with China in securing copper and cobalt supplies, especially from the Democratic Republic of Congo. This shift highlights the global prioritization of resource acquisition for future technologies, including electric vehicles and renewable energy systems. In technology markets, concerns are mounting as stocks related to artificial intelligence have experienced volatility, raising questions about the sustainability of the AI market's growth amid underlying market corrections that have affected software stocks globally. Finally, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will lead a sizeable U.S. delegation to the Munich Security Conference starting on Friday, underscoring the importance of transatlantic relations despite a "crisis of trust", the head of the forum said.

As of February 6, the news landscape is significantly shaped by Stellantis' substantial writedown amidst a broader reassessment of electric vehicle strategy, while updates from the energy sector also capture attention. Stellantis, the automotive giant, announced a staggering charge of 22.2 billion euros related to a strategic pullback on electric vehicles. This announcement has led to a dramatic drop in its shares, which fell as much as 25% following the news, marking their lowest level since the company was created through the merger of Fiat Chrysler and PSA Group in 2021. The company cited misjudgements in the EV transition, compounded by a slowdown in demand, particularly in China, and increased competition from cheaper Chinese alternatives. Stellantis plans to reveal a new business strategy in May, aiming to align its product offerings with current market demands. Turning to market updates, NKT entered a long-term partnership with Mainova for the upgrade of the Frankfurt grid, which will run until 2033, focusing on 110 KV HVAC cables, highlighting ongoing infrastructure investments in Europe. In related energy news, the International Energy Agency released its "Electricity 2026" report, predicting rapid global power demand growth driven by the electrification of various sectors, including AI and data centers. The report emphasizes the necessity for increased flexibility in power systems and a keen focus on upcoming trends and policy changes. Additionally, significant news emerged in the technology sector, where concerns over AI impacts intensified market jitters. Global tech stocks experienced declines amid fears regarding extensive capital expenditures, with Amazon notably falling 9% after announcing a planned 200 billion dollars investment for the year. This spending is part of a broader trend among major tech companies, who are expected to invest over 630 billion dollars in AI and related technology this year. From the international front, talks between the U.S. and Iran in Oman have shown promise, with the Iranian Foreign Minister noting a "good start" to discussions centered on nuclear issues, though conditions remain challenging as the U.S. seeks to broaden the scope of negotiations.

As of February 5, the news is marked by an interview with Prysmian CEO Massimo Battaini on the group’s growth outlook, alongside a key executive appointment at NKT. Speaking to Milano Finanza, Class CNBC today, CEO Massimo Battaini commented on Prysmian’s strong share performance. A milestone that, according to the CEO, should be seen not as an endpoint but as a new starting line. The rally has been underpinned by a clearly defined growth strategy, with M&A playing a central role. Looking ahead, Battaini pointed to the main drivers of future growth, ranging from electrification and data centers to investments tied to the energy transition, all areas where the group plans to remain firmly positioned. Meanwhile, NKT has announced the appointment of Michael Yong as its Chief Financial Officer, effective from April 2026. In industry news, Rio Tinto today ended takeover talks with rival Glencore, saying the two companies were unable to reach an agreement that would deliver sufficient value to shareholders. The proposed merger, first announced in January, would have created the world's largest mining company, with a market value exceeding 200 billion dollars. Turning to market conditions, Aurubis, Europe's largest copper producer, reported a decline in first-quarter operating earnings due to lower treatment and refining charges amid a maintenance shutdown at its Hamburg facility. The firm recorded an operating core profit of 164 million euros, slightly below analysts' expectations. Despite the current challenges, Aurubis remains optimistic about future earnings, lifting its forecast for 2025/26. Copper prices have been notably impacted this week, falling due to a stronger U.S. dollar and rising inventories. Recent trading reflected a price reduction, with three-month copper on the London Metal Exchange down to 12,950 dollars per metric ton. This drop was influenced by general market trends affecting precious metals and the ongoing economic climate. Moreover, Anglo American reported a 10% decrease in its copper output for 2025, coupled with a reduction in its 2026 production guidance. Factors affecting performance include lower yields at its Collahuasi mine in Chile. The company is also moving ahead with its plan to merge with Teck Resources, further signaling a transformative period for the mining industry as it adapts to the increasing demand for copper in renewable energy applications. On a wider economic front, the European Commission is preparing a revision of the EU carbon market to address potential issues of "carbon leakage." This initiative aims to prevent industries from relocating to regions with less stringent emissions standards, ensuring that European entities remain competitive while meeting climate targets for 2040.

As of February 4, today’s news sees developments in the cable and energy sectors, particularly involving players like Nexans and NKT. Nexans has announced a landmark framework contract with Enedis, the French electricity distribution network operator, valued at 600 million euros. This contract will span seven years, with optional three-year extensions and deliveries set to commence in the first quarter of 2026. In parallel, NKT has secured a long-term Power Purchase Agreement with Uniper for a duration of ten years. This contract involves the supply of renewable electricity from Uniper's new photovoltaic facility in Wilhelmshaven, Germany. The green energy sourced through this agreement will support NKT’s manufacturing sites located in Cologne and nearby Nordenham, aligning with the company’s strategic efforts towards decarbonization across its operational activities. Meanwhile, Norway's Socialist Party has withdrawn its support for a proposal to block Equinor's Hammerfest liquefied natural gas plant from receiving a planned onshore power connection, clearing the way for the grid development to proceed. Turning to broader market updates, the European Union is making strides in stockpiling critical materials, with Italy, France, and Germany at the forefront to reduce dependency on China, four sources with knowledge of the matter said. This initiative aims to cushion Europe's economy against supply chain disruptions stemming from China's export controls on various industrial metals and minerals since 2023. Notably, such strategic reserves are seen as crucial for safeguarding defense production and supporting energy transition goals. On the international front, a notable energy crunch in the U.S. driven by a flurry of demand for gas turbines is causing a global supply shortage, potentially accelerating the transition to cleaner energy alternatives. The rush for gas-fired power capacity has resulted in delivery timelines pushing into the 2030s, amidst falling costs for utility-scale solar projects combined with battery storage. Additionally, U.S. congressional discussions are underway to reauthorize significant funding for the US Export-Import Bank, aimed at supporting initiatives related to critical minerals, further cementing the United States' efforts to bolster its domestic manufacturing capabilities against increasing international competition. From a global perspective, the U.S. and Iran are set to engage in nuclear discussions in Oman following Iran's request to limit the scope of negotiations. The emphasis will primarily be on Iran’s nuclear program, with indications that Tehran remains firm on its ballistic missile capabilities, which it deems non-negotiable. In other international news, tensions between the EU and China have escalated as China responds to an investigation into the Chinese wind turbine manufacturer Goldwind, claiming unfair treatment and possible protectionist motivations from the EU.

As of February 3, today’s news features Prysmian’s share price increase following its contract win in Scotland, alongside developments in the global energy and technology sectors. Prysmian gained 2.5% as several analysts reacted positively to its contract for the Eastern Green Link 4 project in Scotland, awarded by SP Energy Networks and National Grid Electricity Transmission. Turning to market updates, Orsted announced its plan to sell its European onshore business to Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners for 1.44 billion euros. This move is part of Orsted's strategy to stabilize its finances amid challenges in the U.S. offshore wind sector. Meanwhile, Siemens Energy is set to invest 1 billion dollars to enhance power grid and gas turbine production in the U.S. as demand surges, particularly from tech firms expanding data centers. In a strategic partnership development, the European Union aims to establish a critical minerals partnership with the U.S. to reduce reliance on Chinese supply chains, while Germany has secured a 25.1% stake in the grid operator TenneT for 3.3 billion euros, reinforcing state control over significant energy infrastructure. Looking at broader macro trends, the rush among U.S. utilities for gas turbines appears to be creating a global shortage, which may accelerate the transition to cleaner electricity sources. Furthermore, China will expand its strategic copper reserves and explore creating a commercial stockpiling system led by state-owned enterprises, a senior official at the China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association said today. In Europe, Amazon reported that the lengthy process of connecting to power grids is complicating its data center expansion plans, highlighting the urgent need for investment in energy infrastructure. On the global stage, the Middle East is bracing for crucial discussions regarding Iran's nuclear program, with emphasis on avoiding escalating tensions following U.S. military movements in the region.

As of February 2, today’s news is dominated by a major contract announcement by Prysmian, significant developments in commodity markets and shifts in global economic and trading scenarios. Prysmian has signed a contract for the delivery of the Eastern Green Link 4 electrical cable interconnector project with GB transmission owners, SP Energy Networks’ transmission business and National Grid Electricity Transmission plc, the company said in a statement. The contract is worth over 2.3 billion euros and will now enter Prysmian’s backlog of projects. Eastern Green Link 4 is a new high voltage direct current electrical link that will connect Fife in Scotland with Norfolk in England. It will be able to transmit up to 2GW of clean renewable energy – enough to power around 2 million homes, and is one of five similar projects being developed that will significantly increase the capacity of the electricity network between Scotland and England. Turning to broader market updates, commodity markets experienced a notable slump, particularly in precious metals, as gold and silver prices fell sharply due to market reactions to Federal Reserve leadership changes. Gold prices declined by 5%, and silver fell over 7%, reflecting investor concerns about a more hawkish monetary stance expected under the newly appointed Fed Chair Kevin Warsh. Alongside precious metals, oil prices dropped nearly 5%, signaling a widespread retreat from risk assets and influencing global market sentiment as well. In the realm of copper, prices continued to retreat following record highs achieved last week. Speculative pulling back was noted, albeit tempered by positive factory data from China. This data provided some stability in the market, which remains volatile but is still underpinned by strong demand fundamentals. Globally, hedge funds are diversifying their investments away from North America amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and volatility. Interest in Asia-focused strategies has notably risen, reversing the previous year's trends and highlighting a shift in investment preferences. Additionally, Oracle announced plans to raise between 45 billion to 50 billion dollars this year to expand its cloud infrastructure, a move indicative of the substantial financing demands driven by its AI growth initiatives. The company’s efforts come amidst scrutiny over its future profitability and infrastructure investments. On the geopolitical front, President Trump has indicated a reduction in tariffs on Indian goods, contingent upon India's commitment to cease purchases of Russian crude oil. This trade adjustment aims to strengthen US-India relations further.