Europe
France’s fiscal problems will persist
Two key credit rating agencies maintained their French ratings, but raised concerns over deficit and debt targets
FranceCatalan election could test Spanish stability
Catalonia, whose pro-independence parties support Spain's minority government, will hold elections next month
SpainConsumer confidence could boost German GDP
German consumer confidence has risen for the third month in a row and reached a two-year high
GermanyCompetition in the AI value chain will be fierce
The AI value chain is highly competitive, as end-users work out what AI models could boost business performance
InternationalEngaging with Afghanistan will get harder for West
The emirate has drawn closer to Iran, China and Russia in recent months
AfghanistanBig tech AI investment will rise but so will scrutiny
Several of the top technology firms in the world are spending a fortune on AI investment
InternationalBHP/Anglo-American offer signals more mining M&A ahead
BHP Group is proposing to buy out Anglo-American, which would be the largest mining deal in more than a decade
InternationalCommercial property downturn has not bottomed out yet
European commercial property deal-making fell for a seventh quarter in January-March
International