South Africa is phasing out the Johannesburg Interbank Average Rate (JIBAR), a benchmark that has underpinned the country’s floating‑rate loans and derivatives markets
Spanish banking giant Banco Santander has been named “Bank of the Year” for Europe by The Banker magazine
European banks are ending 2025 in better capital and liquidity shape than they were a decade ago, yet supervisors are sounding increasingly concerned about what a “higher‑for‑longer”
A major gas company based in Teesside has called for an overhaul of the UK’s energy profits levy, warning that current policies risk job losses and deter critical investment in infrastructure. The firm argues that the levy, designed to tax excess profits from high energy prices, creates uncertainty and disincentives for future projects. It urges the government to revise the framework to balance raising revenue with maintaining competitiveness and energy security. The plea comes as the UK prepares for winter energy demands amid volatile markets.
Shell has announced its exit from two offshore wind projects off the UK coast following a strategic review aligning with broader portfolio adjustments. The decision underscores Shell’s focus on maximizing capital efficiency while navigating challenges in the offshore wind sector, including supply chain disruptions and rising costs. Industry analysts foresee continued consolidation and partnerships as key features shaping the UK’s renewables landscape in coming years.
Europe’s major energy companies have posted stronger-than-expected financial results for the third quarter of 2025, driven by high refining margins and robust LNG demand. Companies like Shell, TotalEnergies, and BP benefited from optimized supply chains and spot market gains. The surge in liquefied natural gas demand, especially from Asia and the US, helped offset declining European gas prices. Executives remain cautious, monitoring potential demand shifts as renewable capacity expands and regulatory pressures increase.
The US government has urged European countries to continue prioritizing oil and gas supplies over a rapid shift to renewables, stressing energy security risks amid geopolitical tensions. US officials argue that while green energy is essential for the long term, Europe must ensure stable fossil fuel deliveries in the near term to avoid shortages and price spikes. The call comes amid a challenging winter outlook and concerns that some European nations may accelerate renewable adoption at the expense of traditional energy sources. Critics caution that this approach risks delaying climate goals but recognize the imperative for energy reliability.
Latin America’s real estate market is forecast to double in value by 2033, supported by accelerating urbanization and ambitious affordable housing programs. Brazil’s government delivered 180,000 new affordable units in 2023, making São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro top destinations for development and investment. Cities like Bogotá and Santiago are experiencing a surge in villa and suburban housing, driven by urban professionals seeking more space. Investment is also flowing into mixed-use and smart city projects, reflecting demand for sustainable, amenity-rich environments across the region.
Investment in European commercial real estate is expected to reach €214 billion in 2025, led by strong interest in logistics, mixed-use, and green-certified projects. Sustained demand from institutional investors reflects the appeal of stable, inflation-resistant assets. Growth sectors include last-mile logistics, student housing, and high-tech office spaces. Market sentiment, however, remains pragmatic, with 2026 projections indicating lower growth and heightened attention to asset selection amid economic uncertainty.
Rising prices and supply shortfalls across major European cities are fueling calls for comprehensive policy reform and deeper private-public cooperation. New partnerships between governments and developers aim to unlock land, streamline approvals, and accelerate affordable housing construction. The focus is on balancing sustainability goals with the need for faster delivery, as shortages are particularly acute in technology and business hubs like London, Berlin, and Amsterdam. Industry leaders see logistics, data centers, and infrastructure as prime areas for profitable investment as the region contends with structural shifts in work and living patterns.
