“More sanctions? I’m off”: Putin leaves G20 early after being blasted over Ukraine November 15, 2014 Russian President Vladimir Putin has decided to wave goodbye to his fellow G20 summit attendees a day early, after they criticised Russia's involvement in Ukraine and threatened to impose more sanctions on Moscow. Western leaders from both Europe and North America berated Russia for its part in the recent escalation of military activity in [...]
Apple is now worth more than the entire Russian stock market November 14, 2014 An interesting viewpoint from Bloomberg this afternoon, whose chart of the day shows how Apple is now bigger than the whole of the Russian stock market. (Source: Bloomberg) Thanks to various factors, including sliding oil prices and sanctions from Western economies against Russian companies, the value of Russian shares has fallen $234bn (£150bn) this year, reckons Bloomberg. [...]
Sweden confirms foreign vessel entered its territory: How would Sweden and Russia fare in a military conflict? November 14, 2014 Sweden says it has proof a foreign submarine entered its waters last month, prompting Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Loefven to increase the country's border defenses and military arsenal. Swedish Armed Forces Supreme Commander Sverker Goeransson said the navy had “fully confirmed that a foreign power violated Swedish territory underwater”. At a press conference [...]
Bad weather to blame for poor sales, says RWE November 13, 2014 THE GERMAN owner of Npower, RWE, yesterday reported a nine per cent drop in revenue, to €35.3bn (£30bn), in the first three quarters of 2014. The firm’s operating profit fell by 31 per cent to €2.9bn, a decline that RWE said was expected, and earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation fell by 22 per [...]
Burberry 2014 Christmas campaign launched as profits hurt by foreign exchange loss November 12, 2014 Burberry yesterday brushed off concerns over foreign exchange movements, saying it expected the effects to wear off in the next six months after taking its toll on first-half profit. The luxury fashion group posted a six per cent rise in underlying profit to £152m in the six months to 30 September. But [...]
Financier divorce could lead to Britain’s biggest ever pay out: Here are some of the U.K.’s largest divorce settlements to-date November 11, 2014 Hedge fund founder divorce could lead to Britain's biggest payout: here are some of the U.K.'s largest divorce settlements to-date For the super wealthy it pays to divorce in London. This is because divorce judgements handed down in British courts traditionally favour the less wealthy partner. One case that's currently in the British courts is [...]
Russian bank VTB could de-list from London due to Ukraine sanctions November 10, 2014 Russian lender VTB is looking at de-listing in London and moving to Chinese stock markets, because international sanctions are squeezing its business. The bank listed in London in 2007, seeking the global capital markets focused in the UK. But pro-Russia separatists’ seizure of Crimea and fighting in Ukraine have led to sanctions on people close [...]
Rouble jumps after months of steep drop November 10, 2014 THE RUSSIAN rouble strengthened against the dollar yesterday despite the Central Bank of Russia (CBR) announcing the abandonment of its exchange rate controls. A press release from the CBR said foreign exchange intervention might still be considered in the case of renewed “financial stability threats”, which may have reassured foreign exchange markets. Markets may also have [...]
Russia Today found guilty of bias and warned of sanctions by Ofcom November 10, 2014 Broadcasting regulator Ofcom has judged TV station Russia Today to be guilty of biased reporting, and has warned it will face tough sanctions following any future failures to provide impartiality. Russia Today, which is funded by the Russian federal government, failed to provide balanced reporting on the on the Ukraine crisis in March, according [...]
Lessons from the mentoring experts Credit Suisse November 9, 2014 Personal enrichment and increased job satisfaction are often given as reasons for being both a mentor and mentee. But being either can also have a measurable impact on your career. A 2006 comparative study by research firm Gartner found that both parties are 20 per cent more likely to get a pay rise than colleagues [...]