New surge in Russia-Ukraine tensions as both countries block transit February 15, 2016 Ukrainian trucks have been banned from Russia, in retaliation to the blocking of Russian vehicles in Ukraine, said Russia's transport ministry. “The measures will be in place until a settlement of issues of illegal blocking of Russian auto vehicles on the Ukrainian territory by the Ukrainian side,” the ministry said in a prepared statement cited by [...]
Russian prime minister Dmirtry Medvedev warns of “new cold war” after airstrikes on Syria February 13, 2016 The prime minister of Russia has warned that the world is edging closer to a "new cold war" after European leaders accused his nation's airstrikes on Syria of attacking the civilian population. Dmirtry Medvedev told the 52nd annual Munich Security Conference that a lack of cooperation in Syria was pushing Europe to where it was "40 [...]
A response to George Soros: Putin might be a threat to the West – but that doesn’t mean Islamic State is any less so February 12, 2016 George Soros, world renowned billionaire and philanthropist, has claimed that Russian President Putin is a greater threat to Europe than Islamic State (Isis). Putin certainly is a threat to Western interests, and potentially to Europe on account of its close proximity to the territories Putin may look to encroach upon. So it is certainly important that [...]
Evgeny Lebedev considering putting an end to print version of the Independent after sale of the i to Johnston Press February 11, 2016 Evgeny Lebedev, the Russian owner of the Independent and the Independent on Sunday, is considering bringing the titles online only and putting an end to the print versions. The news follows the announcement of the sale of the i, the Independent's spin-off newspaper, to Scottish publisher Johnston Press for £24m. Independent editor Amol Rajan sent [...]
IAAF crisis: Nestle follows fellow sponsor Adidas in severing ties with troubled athletics world governing body February 10, 2016 Nestle has asked to terminate its sponsorship of crisis-hit athletics world governing body the IAAF over fears the deal was damaging the Swiss-based food and drinks giant’s image. The decision, a year before the end of Nestle’s five-year partnership, follows a similar move by sportswear group Adidas last month. The IAAF has been tarnished by [...]
Carlsberg share price soars as sales beat expectations on strong Asia growth February 10, 2016 Carlsberg shares are soaring after the Danish brewer smashed analysts’ expectations on strong growth in Asia. The figures Carlsberg posted sales of 14.7bn Danish kroner (DKK) (£1.53bn) for the quarter ending 31 December 2015, ahead of the forecast DKK14.2bn. This marks a 2.8 per cent growth from the same period last year, when sales landed at [...]
Tui share price down even as the travel group smashes sales forecasts despite geopolitical turbulence February 9, 2016 Tui’s sales smashed expectations, shrugging off the impact of geopolitical turbulence, and the travel group reiterated its full-year outlook. The figures The German-listed group posted sales of €3.7bn in the quarter ending 31 December, a 5.4 per cent growth that beat analysts’ forecasts of around €3.68bn. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation improved three [...]
Déjà vu… US crude is under $30 again as industry leaders predict the supply glut will continue February 8, 2016 The US oil benchmark, West Texas Intermediate (WTI), has once again dipped under the $30 per barrel mark, having hovered over the psychological barrier for a week. Brent crude was trading around $33.29 when WTI fell under $30. The latest drop comes as world’s largest independent oil-trading house warns the oil prices could stay low for as long as [...]
Syria conference: The humanitarian crisis will grind on for years if all we do is talk about it – and money won’t solve the problems either February 4, 2016 The commitment by world leaders, including Prime Minister David Cameron, to up international assistance to Syrian refugees should be applauded. But at the same time, we are deceiving ourselves if we imagine that we can simply throw money at this crisis and then walk away, consciences clear. Left as is, the conflict in Syria, and the [...]
Credit Suisse’s share price plummets as it posts first annual loss since 2008, plans 4,000 job cuts: Tidjane Thiam issues warning of global uncertainty February 4, 2016 Credit Suisse's share price plummeted this morning on news it is planning to cut 4,000 jobs following its first annual loss in eight years, alongside a warning that it is "not clear" when financial markets will start to rebound. The figures The Swiss lender has reported a pre-tax loss of CHF 2.42bn (£1.65bn) for the full year [...]