MADRID | By Carlos Díaz Güell | Some say the first step to solve a problem is to know what is it about. Although when it comes to Iberia, that has been having problems for more than two decades, it is not that simple. The once flagship Spanish airline had been denying its difficulties and its fundamentals rotted. Something that will be remembered in the history of aviation.
By CaixaBank analysts | The reduction in doubtful loans, easier financial conditions and creation of households will continue to support the recovery in housing. But persistently low participation in employment is a source of risk for 2013.
MADRID | Peter Garnry, analyst at Saxo Bank: “The true irony of this story is that these political voids, as now in Italy, have often generated periods of economic calm and even growth.”
MADRID | Shell will acquire the assets for $4.4 billion in cash and will assume $2.3 billion in financial leases ($1.8 billion) and debt ($0.5 billion in non-consolidated investments.) The deal reduces net debt by more than half (excluding Gas Natural Fenosa) to 2.2 billion euros.
By CaixaBank analysts | China exceeds expectations with 7.9% growth in GDP year-on-year in the fourth quarter of 2012. Indicators confirm that Chinese exports picked up again in December.
MADRID | The company sells its 75% stake in Iberdrola Renewables Polska, a holding which groups its wind power plants in Poland, as part of its divestment plans to be completed by 2015.
By Marcus Nunes, economist and author | If you followed the results of the Italian general election, you would probably be wondering: what will happen to the “growing investor confidence” the European Commission was talking about?
BARCELONA | By CaixaBank research | Compared with its pre-crisis size, the balance sheet of the Federal Reserve in the US has tripled while the European Central Bank’s has only doubled.
By James Kilcourse, researcher at the Institute of International and European Affairs | Has the UK successfully forged an alliance with other “awkward partners” of Brussels? If the situation in the EU’s southern periphery deteriorates further, the ideas that emerge from the annual Northern Future Forum may become ever more influential.
MADRID | By Carlos Díaz Güell | In the coming weeks we’ll see if the banking career of Alfredo Sáenz, probably Spain’s best bank manager during democracy, with Emilio Botín’s permission, is finished or not.