The Financial Market Authority is conducting enforcement proceedings against Swiss Fund Management AG, linked to questionable transactions involving illiquid bonds associated with investor Marco Garzetti. The investigation, initiated in May 2024, revealed that over a third of fund units were sold to clients of BZ Berater Zentrum AG, raising concerns about potential harm to those clients. Garzetti, who previously attempted to acquire GAM, has challenged the investigation's oversight in court, but the ruling mandates that Swiss Fund Management cover the full investigation costs.
Volvo's plugin vehicle sales surged by 40% year-over-year in November 2024, making up 48% of its global sales, with fully electric cars accounting for 21%. In Europe, plugin sales rose by 39%, representing 65% of the company's sales there, while the US saw a 5% increase and China experienced an 8% decline, yet still held 39% of Volvo's sales.
Invinity Energy Systems is set to install six vanadium flow batteries across rural electric cooperatives in the U.S. as part of a long-duration energy storage initiative supported by the Energy Department. These batteries, designed for high-volume applications, promise to enhance energy independence and address the growing demand for renewable energy storage, particularly in areas facing permitting challenges due to fire risk and noise concerns. The new ENDURIUM™ flow battery offers significant advantages over lithium-ion technology, including non-degrading chemistry and extended discharge durations.
EIH Limited reported strong Q2 results, showcasing double-digit growth in revenue per available room (Rev Par) driven by higher occupancies and average room rates. The medium-term outlook remains positive, with demand expected to outpace supply, supported by a robust inventory addition pipeline. Despite valuations being on the higher side, the industry up-cycle is anticipated to sustain.
HMC Capital's share price rose nearly 2% following its strategic acquisition in renewable energy, reflecting the increasing demand in this sector. While market reactions are mixed, with some analysts advising caution due to potential volatility, the company's focus on renewable energy and data centres positions it for long-term growth despite the challenges ahead.
Duke Energy is set to replace the aging Allen Steam Station, a coal-fired plant, with a significant investment in battery storage, including a 50 MW/200 MWh system by 2025 and a larger 167 MW/668 MWh system by 2027. This transition aims to enhance reliability while reducing carbon emissions, as the utility also incorporates natural gas and solar power into its energy mix. The move reflects a broader trend in the utility industry towards cleaner energy solutions, driven by the need for efficient and sustainable power sources.
In 2024, healthcare experts emphasized the urgent need for policy reforms to address disparities between urban and rural healthcare, focusing on equity, geriatric care, and environmental sustainability. The integration of technology, including telehealth and AI, is set to transform patient care, while financial challenges persist, prompting calls for increased government funding and a more robust healthcare workforce. As the landscape evolves, a holistic approach prioritizing accessibility and sustainability is essential for improving health outcomes across demographics.
The Nifty IT index rose over 1% in early trade on December 5, buoyed by positive comments from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell regarding US economic growth. All 10 constituents, including Persistent Systems and L&T Technology Services, saw gains, with Persistent's shares up over 2% after CLSA raised its target price significantly. Bank of America highlighted key trends shaping the IT sector's future, including a recovery in the BFSI sector and a rebound in cloud spending, while artificial intelligence is expected to positively impact the industry by 2025.
Divi's Laboratories Ltd's shares fell nearly 3% on December 5, trading at Rs 6,078.6, after a US court ruled that Novartis could not block MSN Pharmaceuticals from launching a generic version of its heart drug, Entresto. The court upheld a previous decision that Novartis was unlikely to win a patent lawsuit against MSN, paving the way for the first US generic of the drug. Divi's Labs has a contract with Novartis for the drug, and its market capitalization stands at Rs 1.6 lakh crore.
PG Electroplast shares surged over 17% in the past week, hitting a record high of Rs 820.75 after launching a Qualified Institutional Placement (QIP) to raise up to Rs 1,500 crore. The QIP, priced at Rs 705.18 per share, will lead to a 6.7% equity dilution, with funds allocated for working capital and loan repayment.