Lamborghini is progressing with its plan to debut a fully electric vehicle by the end of the decade. However, the Italian automaker is not ready to phase out combustion powertrains. Instead, it is investing in synthetic fuels as a viable route to extend the operational lifespan of its V8 and V12 engines under future emission constraints.
The momentum behind stablecoin-based payments is gaining attention across the global commerce landscape. Reports suggest that Amazon $AMZN and Walmart $WMT are evaluating the launch of proprietary tokens, while Shopify $SHOP has begun supporting USDC $USDCUSD payments in over 30 countries. This marks a notable shift in how major retail players view blockchain-based settlement infrastructure. However, not all observers are convinced that this trend poses a disruptive threat to legacy networks like Visa $V and Mastercard $MA.
European equities declined on Thursday as renewed tensions in the Middle East and looming central bank meetings weighed heavily on investor sentiment. The DAX fell by 0.7%, mirroring a similar decline in France's CAC 40, while the FTSE 100 $^FTSE slipped 0.4% in London. The downturn comes as market participants reassess geopolitical risks and their potential implications for global economic stability and monetary policy. The underlying trigger for the sell-off was heightened speculation that the United States (USD) might support Israeli airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear and missile infrastructure, potentially escalating the already volatile situation in the region.
KKR & Co. Inc. $KKR has finalized the acquisition of Zenith Energy, an Australian provider of autonomous electricity systems, from a consortium comprising Pacific Equity Partners, OPSEU Pension Trust, and Foresight Group Holdings Ltd. $FSG.L. While the transaction value was undisclosed, it follows AUD 1.9 billion (USD 1.2 billion) in debt refinancing, which has positioned Zenith with more than AUD 1 billion in new capital to support future development. This investment will be made through KKR’s Asia Pacific Infrastructure Investors II fund, signaling the firm’s continued expansion into asset-heavy, cash-generating sectors across the region.
Ryanair $RYAAY has introduced a £500 fine for any passenger removed from a flight due to disruptive behavior. The airline stated the measure is intended to reduce cabin disturbances and protect operational integrity. The penalty targets individuals whose actions jeopardize safety or delay flights. According to the airline, the initiative reinforces a zero-tolerance stance toward onboard misconduct, prioritizing passenger and crew welfare.
Lifetime Brands Europe Ltd, a Birmingham-based wholesale distributor of homeware goods and a subsidiary of Lifetime Brands Inc. $LCUT, has emerged as the most significant corporate name on Ireland’s latest tax defaulters list. The company was found to have underdeclared €777,606 in value-added tax (VAT), resulting in a total liability of €1,115,755, inclusive of interest and penalties. The Revenue Commissioners’ review of the company’s financial activity revealed systemic inaccuracies in VAT reporting. While no criminal proceedings were cited, the public listing reinforces Ireland’s strategy of naming high-value offenders as a deterrent to tax evasion.
Robinhood Markets Inc. $HOOD has gained significant attention as its stock continues to rise, now marking a sixth consecutive day of growth. This upward trend is particularly fueled by investor speculation that this digital brokerage platform may soon secure a spot within the coveted S&P 500 index $^SPX. Leading financial institutions, including Bank of America Corp. $BAC and Barclays Plc $BARC.L, have expressed confidence in Robinhood's potential as a key addition, prompting passive investment funds to increase their stock acquisitions.
Wizz Air Holdings Plc $WIZZ.L, a prominent Hungarian budget airline, recently faced a precipitous drop in its share price, the steepest in over five years. This decline followed the company's earnings report, which fell short of market expectations and was compounded by Wizz Air's decision to refrain from providing future guidance due to market uncertainties.
Microsoft Corporation $MSFT has executed another round of significant workforce reductions, signaling continued cost-optimization strategies within the technology sector. The latest dismissals affected over 300 employees in Washington state, following closely on the heels of the largest workforce restructuring at Microsoft in recent years, which involved the elimination of 6,000 positions.
Shares of Gap Inc. $GPS experienced their sharpest intraday decline since the onset of the April tariff escalation announcement by President Donald Trump, falling 21% by late morning on Friday. This drop entirely erased the retailer’s year-to-date stock gains, underscoring the acute sensitivity of the apparel sector to escalating trade barriers.
Exxon Mobil Corp. $XOM has initiated exclusive negotiations with North Atlantic France SAS regarding the potential sale of its 82.89% stake in Esso SAF, including a strategically significant oil refinery. The estimated transaction value stands at 400 million EUR (approximately 350 million USD). The prospective deal reflects Exxon Mobil’s ongoing realignment of its European operations amid tightening regional regulations and cost pressures in the energy sector.
The management of Thyssenkrupp AG $TKA.DE has initiated a significant corporate transformation, aiming to shift from a traditional, fully integrated industrial conglomerate toward a holding company structure. This strategic pivot signals the formal conclusion of an epoch in German industry, as the business turns away from its historic roots in integrated steel and engineering operations.
