Silver price is on track to its second-best year on record as tight supplies and heightened demand continue to bolster the dual-purpose metal. On Friday, the white metal hit a fresh record high amid a surge in ETF inflows. While it has since pulled back, the bullish momentum remains steady ahead of the Fed meeting later in the week. 

Beyond the expected rate cut of 25 basis points, investors will be looking for cues from the FOMC statement on the central bank’s possible course of action in coming months. A more hawkish tone would weigh on precious metals, even as supply tightness in the physical silver market bolsters prices. 

Silver price steadies near record high amid heightened ETF investment

Silver has had a spectacular year; doubling its value compared to gold’s 60% surge. Late last week, it hit a fresh all-time high as increased ETF inflows highlighted investors’ expectations that the white metal will rally further. 

In the past week, the total holdings of silver ETFs increased by close to 590 metric tonnes. On a broader scale, the demand for ETF investments has risen in 9 out of the past 11 months. In November alone, ETF inflows were at 15.7 million ounces; the highest since July. These figures are an indication of steady investor interest.

The soaring ETF inflows is a trend expected to continue in the ensuing months as economic uncertainties and geopolitical risks fuel the metal’s safe haven appeal. Additionally, increased industrial demand and structural supply shortages continue to support silver price. On the one hand, the metal has been in a deficit for five years now. At the same time, the demand for electric vehicles, medical technology, and solar panels continues to soar.

While these price drivers are set to support the bullish momentum in the ensuing sessions, the focus will particularly be on the Fed meeting slated for 9th and 10th. Beyond the 25-basis-point interest rate cut that is already priced in, the central bank’s tone will influence market sentiment. A hawkish tone may curb silver price upside potential as it strengthens the US dollar. In a note, an analyst told Invezz:

“We expect a 25-basis-point cut, but likely a hawkish one. You may even see a couple of dissents, which is rare — it’s only happened about five times in the last 25 years. I expect Chair Powell to reiterate that a cut from here is not a foregone conclusion. ur base case is a cut this week, followed by a pause until there’s more clarity from the data.”

SLV silver price technical analysis

The iShares Silver Trust ended last week in the green; hitting a fresh all-time high before pulling back slightly. The bullish momentum has been sustained by supply tightness and expectations of a Fed rate cut before the end of the year.

In the immediate term, the silver ETF may remain within a tight range, failing to attract enough buyers to retest the record-high hit on Friday. As such, the range between $53.30 and $51 will be worth watching. 

Depending on the tone in the FOMC statement, signals that the central bank will pause on further rate cuts in the coming months may yield a pullback to $49.73; a previous resistance zone that has offered steady support to the asset since late November.

On the upside, a more dovish tone may have SLV silver price break the resistance at $54.15 as the bulls eye fresh heights of $56. For as long as the ETF remains above $48, which is along the middle Bollinger band and the short-term 25-day EMA, this bullish thesis will be valid. 

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The battle for Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) has turned into a high-stakes standoff, but what initially looked like a Netflix victory lap is quickly losing steam.

While Netflix’s flashy offer grabbed headlines, Paramount Global’s hostile counter-bid is quietly emerging as the smarter option.

For investors and insiders alike, the “boring” choice might just be the winning one, offering a cleaner exit, fewer antitrust headaches, and a business model that actually fits.

3 reasons why Paramount is a smarter choice

1. The most immediate allure of the Paramount bid is operational simplicity.

A Netflix takeover would trigger a massive, multi-year integration nightmare, merging two global streaming giants, two distinct studio cultures, and redundant tech stacks.

By contrast, Paramount offers a cleaner exit. It effectively allows WBD leadership to cash out at a premium without overseeing the messy dismantling of their empire.

It treats WBD’s assets as valuable puzzle pieces rather than just “content feed” for the Netflix algorithm.

2. Then there is the elephant in the room: Washington. 

A Netflix-WBD merger is a regulatory minefield. Combining the world’s largest streamer with HBO, Warner Bros., and DC Comics creates a concentration of market power.

President Trump has already signaled scrutiny of the deal, and antitrust regulators are wary of allowing any single player to dominate.

Paramount, on the other hand, presents a different narrative. A merger between WBD and Paramount is viewed less as a monopoly grab and more as a survival strategy for two struggling legacy media giants. 

While still large, a combined Max-Paramount entity would be a robust competitor to Netflix and Disney, rather than a market-crushing behemoth.

3. Finally, the assets simply fit better. Netflix has zero interest in running linear cable networks, live news, or sports channels, the very heart of WBD’s cash flow.

Paramount and WBD are natural complements.

Merging CBS News with CNN, combining TNT Sports with CBS Sports, and unifying the Paramount Pictures and Warner Bros. libraries creates tangible operational synergies. 

WBD’s crossroads: Hype vs. certainty

The ball is now firmly in the WBD board’s court.

While the Netflix offer dazzles with its stock-price potential, the Paramount bid delivers the certainty that risk-averse shareholders crave.

Expect the next few weeks to be defined by aggressive lobbying from both camps, but the momentum has clearly shifted.

If Zaslav and Malone prioritize a deal that can survive regulatory scrutiny and preserve the structural integrity of their assets, the “hostile” bidder may soon become the welcome savior.

For investors, the smart play is to look past the streaming hype and focus on which deal can actually cross the finish line.

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Tata Electronics has identified Intel as a prospective customer as it accelerates efforts to build India’s domestic electronics and semiconductor ecosystem.

The Mumbai-based Tata Group’s electronics division has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the American chip designer to explore manufacturing and packaging of Intel products for the Indian market at Tata’s upcoming semiconductor facilities.

The partnership aims to evaluate ways to produce and package certain Intel components domestically, thereby supporting India’s ambition to expand its high-value electronics manufacturing base.

Tata Electronics said the collaboration underscores its commitment to building a resilient, India-centric semiconductor supply chain capable of supporting strategic sectors such as computing, artificial intelligence, and advanced electronics.

Joint push on AI PC solutions

Alongside the semiconductor manufacturing exploration, Intel and Tata will also assess opportunities to scale AI-focused PC solutions for both consumers and businesses in India.

With personal computing demand rising and AI rapidly permeating mainstream workflows, the two companies see potential to tailor AI-enabled systems for one of the world’s fastest-growing technology markets.

“This collaboration marks a pivotal step towards developing a resilient, India-based electronics and semiconductor supply chain,” Tata said in its announcement. N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons, noted that the partnership will help expand the domestic technology ecosystem and accelerate the delivery of advanced semiconductor and systems solutions.

“Together [with Intel], we will drive an expanded technology ecosystem and deliver leading semiconductors and systems solutions, positioning us well to capture the large and growing AI opportunity,” he said.

Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan described the partnership as a “tremendous opportunity” to scale rapidly in India, citing strong PC demand and accelerating AI adoption across the country as major drivers.

India’s push for domestic chip capabilities

Despite being one of the world’s largest electronics consumption markets, India currently lacks large-scale chip design or fabrication capabilities.

The government has been attempting to reverse this through its “India Semiconductor Mission,” which aims to reduce import dependence, attract global manufacturers, and secure a presence in supply chains that are shifting away from China.

At least 10 semiconductor projects worth over $18 billion in cumulative investment have received approval under the programme.

Tata Electronics, established in 2020, is positioned at the centre of this national push. The company has been investing billions of dollars to build what it describes as India’s first pure-play semiconductor foundry.

According to the firm, the planned facility will manufacture chips for sectors including artificial intelligence, automotive, computing, and data storage.

Tata Electronics is also constructing new facilities for assembly and testing, which are integral parts of the semiconductor value chain.

The MoU with Intel reinforces Tata’s broader strategy of anchoring advanced manufacturing capabilities within India.

If the collaboration progresses into full-scale production, it could mark a meaningful step toward India’s long-term goal of becoming a competitive global hub for semiconductor manufacturing and electronics innovation.

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HashKey Holdings Ltd., operator of Hong Kong’s largest licensed cryptocurrency exchange, is seeking to raise as much as HK$1.67 billion ($215 million) through an initial public offering, marking a significant test of the city’s ambitions to position itself as a regional digital-asset hub.

According to a filing made on Tuesday, the company plans to offer 240.6 million shares at a price range of HK$5.95 to HK$6.95 each.

At the upper end of the range, HashKey would command a valuation of roughly HK$19 billion.

Investor order books opened on Tuesday and will remain available through Friday, with trading of the shares scheduled to begin on December 17.

The offering arrives during a volatile period for the crypto market, with Bitcoin retreating from its all-time high reached in October.

Despite this backdrop, the IPO forms part of a late-year surge in Hong Kong listings, with proceeds on track to hit their highest levels in four years.

Funds to support expansion, technology, and risk controls

HashKey was among the first crypto exchanges to secure a license in Hong Kong after the city introduced a dedicated digital-asset regulatory regime in 2022.

Its operations span crypto trading, venture capital, and asset management.

The company plans to use IPO proceeds to scale its technology and infrastructure, strengthen risk management frameworks, and expand its workforce as it positions itself for continued growth in the sector.

Cornerstone investors have agreed to purchase $75 million worth of shares, securing an allocation in return for holding shares for at least six months.

The group includes UBS Group AG’s asset-management division, Fidelity International, and Infini Capital.

The inclusion of major global investors underscores continued institutional interest in Hong Kong’s digital-asset strategy despite uncertain market conditions.

HashKey is also a participant in the city’s crypto-focused exchange-traded fund ecosystem.

It co-manages one such product with Bosera Asset Management.

However, Hong Kong’s crypto ETFs have so far attracted modest inflows, especially when compared with the stronger demand seen in the United States.

Hong Kong’s mixed results in attracting crypto firms

Hong Kong has approved 11 crypto exchanges under its digital-asset framework, though the list does not include major global players such as Binance or Coinbase.

The city has been competing with other Asian jurisdictions to draw leading crypto companies, but progress has been uneven.

Regulators have expressed hopes that a stronger licensing regime will attract more international firms seeking clarity and institutional demand.

HashKey’s shareholder base includes Gaorong Ventures, known for early investments in Chinese technology firms such as Meituan and PDD Holdings Inc.

Earlier this year, Gaorong invested $30 million in HashKey Group at a pre-money valuation exceeding $1 billion, according to people familiar with the matter.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Guotai Junan are serving as joint sponsors for the offering, which is poised to be a closely watched event for Hong Kong’s capital markets.

Its outcome will help indicate whether investor appetite for regulated crypto-focused businesses can withstand a turbulent market cycle and support the city’s long-term ambitions in digital finance.

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Asian markets opened Tuesday to a mix of geopolitical tensions, central bank decisions, and shifting expectations around US monetary policy.

From China’s objections to Japan’s recent remarks on Taiwan, to the Reserve Bank of Australia’s decision to leave rates unchanged, and to investor caution ahead of the Federal Reserve’s upcoming move, the region’s sentiment remained subdued.

Meanwhile, new comments from US President Donald Trump on Nvidia’s China chip exports added another layer to an already complex global tech landscape.

China increases Japan criticism over Taiwan comments

China’s special representative on Korean affairs, Liu Xiaoming, confirmed that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul discussed Taiwan during their meeting in Beijing.

The conversation also covered recent remarks by Japan’s leadership.

Wang reiterated Beijing’s criticism of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s comment suggesting Japan could use force over Taiwan.

He argued the statement contradicted Japan’s previous commitments to China and undermined post–World War II settlements.

Liu reaffirmed Beijing’s stance that “ironclad” facts confirm Taiwan is part of China and that the issue has been politically and legally settled for decades.

He warned that “plotting ‘Taiwan independence’ means splitting China’s territory,” and that supporting it constitutes interference in China’s internal affairs.

Reserve Bank of Australia holds rates at 3.6%

The Reserve Bank of Australia kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 3.6% in December, aligning with market expectations.

The decision was unanimous, with policymakers noting that inflation risks may take longer to evaluate.

“The recent data suggest the risks to inflation have tilted to the upside, but it will take a little longer to assess the persistence of inflationary pressures,” the RBA said.

Asian markets drift as investors await Fed signals

Asian equities traded weaker as investors positioned for a US rate cut and evaluated the likelihood of a shallow easing cycle.

MSCI’s Asia-Pacific ex-Japan index slipped 0.68%, Japan’s Nikkei edged down 0.04%, and South Korea’s Kospi fell 0.37%.

Analysts expect a cautious tone from Fed Chair Jerome Powell, with some projecting only one rate cut in 2026.

Traders are currently pricing in 77 basis points of easing next year.

Currency markets remained steady. The dollar index held at 99.09, on track for its biggest annual decline since 2017.

The yen stabilized after a 7.5-magnitude earthquake in northeastern Japan injured at least 30 people and forced evacuations.

Commodities were mixed: gold fell 0.15% to $4,182.11 per ounce, while Brent crude hovered at $61.96.

Indian markets also slipped. The Nifty 50 fell 0.37% to 25,865.30, and the Sensex dropped 0.55% to 84,796.18.

Trump says Nvidia can export H200 chips to China under 25% US fee

US President Donald Trump announced that Nvidia will be allowed to export its H200 artificial-intelligence chips to “approved customers” in China, provided the US government receives a 25% cut of the revenue.

He said Chinese President Xi Jinping “responded positively” to the proposal.

Trump added that the same framework will apply to AMD, Intel, and other US chipmakers.

Nvidia and AMD had already agreed in August to share 15% of their China chip revenue with Washington.

The H200 chip is a higher-grade model than the H20 chip previously designed for China.

Nvidia shares rose about 2% after hours on the news.

The company said the policy “strikes a thoughtful balance” that supports American jobs and manufacturing.

Semiconductors remain central to the US–China technology rivalry, highlighted by trade frictions and earlier disputes over China’s rare-earth export controls.

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India’s fast-growing quick commerce industry is heading toward a major shakeout as funding pressures intensify and the limits of capital-driven expansion become clearer, according to Blinkit Chief Executive Officer Albinder Dhindsa.

In a Bloomberg interview, Dhindsa warned that the business model underpinning rapid delivery platforms — one reliant on aggressive fundraising and steep losses — is becoming increasingly unsustainable, even as consumer demand continues climbing.

Backed over the years by global investors such as SoftBank Group Corp., Temasek Holdings Pte., and major Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds, India’s quick commerce sector has emerged as the world’s most closely watched experiment in 10-minute deliveries for groceries, essentials, and electronics.

While similar models in the US, Europe, and parts of Asia have already unraveled, India’s dense urban clusters, lower labour costs, and widespread digital payments have helped domestic players sustain expansion longer.

But Dhindsa argues that the industry is now entering a phase where companies must decide how long they can continue absorbing losses in pursuit of scale.

“Usually when this kind of imbalance exists, the correction is very swift,” he said, adding that such shifts often catch companies off guard.

Investor caution rises as capital requirements accelerate

The appetite among investors has cooled even as funding needs rise sharply for the major players.

Swiggy Ltd., Blinkit’s smaller rival, is preparing a $1.1 billion share sale barely a year after its $1.3 billion market debut — and at roughly the same valuation.

Meanwhile, competitor Zepto has raised $450 million ahead of a planned initial public offering next year.

Both moves highlight the heavy capital required to sustain hyper-fast delivery models.

The fact that Swiggy’s stock continues to trade near its IPO price underscores how investors are reassessing the risks of a business long fueled by abundant liquidity and ambitious expansion strategies.

Analysts at Bernstein Societe Generale Group recently said Blinkit, now owned by Eternal Ltd., has emerged as the long-term frontrunner due to stronger unit economics, disciplined execution, and a cash balance exceeding $2 billion.

However, they cautioned that escalating competition could force the company to invest even more heavily before turning free-cash-flow positive.

Despite its sizeable cash reserves, Blinkit remains unprofitable as it continues entering new markets.

Competition is also intensifying as Amazon.com Inc., Walmart-owned Flipkart, and Reliance Retail Ltd. deepen their push into rapid deliveries, creating an increasingly crowded environment across major Indian cities.

Structural challenges — including fragmented supply chains, limited cold-chain capacity, and uneven procurement networks — further complicate operations relative to traditional e-commerce.

Expansion strategy hinges on infrastructure, not just demand

Dhindsa expects a long-term convergence between quick commerce and traditional online retail.

Blinkit already hosts thousands of third-party sellers and offers a wide assortment of goods, from refrigerators to books.

The company plans to expand only into categories where it can meaningfully improve customer experience and economics, particularly areas like fashion, where returns and sizing remain challenges.

As demand trickles into smaller towns, Blinkit intends to continue investing in local infrastructure, though Dhindsa notes that supply-chain maturity — not consumer appetite — is the key barrier.

The company is shifting procurement toward local entrepreneurs who aggregate fruits and vegetables, a move that also creates semi-skilled jobs and supports regional economies.

Dhindsa said the industry is poised for a reset as firms balance ambition with capital costs.

Consolidation, more selective expansion, and changes in discounting practices may shape the sector’s next phase.

“Whether the correction comes in three months or six months or next week, I do not know,” he said. “But it will come.”

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The outlook for the global soybean market remains supportive for 2026, and much will depend on China’s policy on purchasing US soybeans, with the American biofuel policy also in focus, ING Group said. 

The soybean market has shown remarkable resilience this year, shrugging off persistent trade tensions between the US and China. 

Soybean prices have performed surprisingly well in 2025, even with the ongoing trade tensions.

Specifically, CBOT soybeans have shown stronger gains compared to both CBOT corn and wheat over the course of the year.

Market likely to tighten

Despite global soybean production being forecast to decline year-over-year, record-high demand is expected to result in a slight decrease in global soybean stocks by the end of the 2025-26 season, according to an ING Group report.

“The expected decline in global production this season is largely driven by the US,” Warren Patterson, head of commodities strategy at ING, said in the report. 

Farmers reduced soybean plantings amid escalating trade tensions between the US and China, although strong yields helped to offset some of the decline in planted area. 

Despite a projected 7.1% year-on-year drop in planted area, US soybean production is forecasted to decrease by a smaller margin of 2.8% year-on-year, totaling just under 116 million tonnes.

The outlook for the US soybean balance hinges on substantial purchases from China for the remainder of the season, as ending stocks are anticipated to fall year-on-year. 

However, total US soybean export commitments are currently down 38% year-on-year, according to the latest USDA data available up until late October.

Further decline in stocks

“While it is still early to form a strong view of how the 2026/27 season will unfold, our numbers suggest we will likely see a further decline in global soybean stocks,” Patterson said. 

“Our initial view is that global soybean production will be largely flat year-on-year, while consumption continues to grow.

ING Group is looking at a global deficit of about 12 million tonnes, which would leave the 2026-27 ending stocks at 110 million tonnes. 

“This should be fairly supportive for soybean prices, with forecast stocks at their lowest level since 2022/23, while the stocks-to-use ratio would be the lowest since 2015/16,” Patterson noted. 

This should provide good support to the market, although clearly much will depend on trade and biofuel policy.

In the US, an anticipated increase in soybean plantings is expected, driven by the thawing of US-China trade tensions and the likely resumption of significant Chinese purchases of US soybeans. 

Although the 2026 planting season is still some time away, the shifting soybean/corn ratio suggests a greater area will be dedicated to soybeans, according to ING. 

However, it is currently forecast that any gain from increased acreage will be negated by lower yields.

US-China trade tensions

Despite escalating trade tensions between the US and China, which have severely disrupted US soybean exports to China, soybean prices have remained strong this year. 

Historically, China purchased over 50% of total US soybean exports, making the recent halt in trade a major concern for US farmers. 

For instance, in September and October 2025, China did not import any US soybeans, a situation not seen since November 2018.

Following a meeting between US President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart, President Xi, China has reportedly resumed US soybean purchases. 

Initial reports indicated promises to buy 12 million tonnes before the end of 2025 (a deadline that appears to have been extended to February 2026), with a subsequent agreement for 25 million tonnes annually for the following three years.

However, China has not confirmed these commitments.

“If these purchases materialise, it should ensure that the US domestic balance is not carrying large stocks into the next season, as some have feared,” Patterson said. 

A commitment from China to purchase 25 million tonnes of US soybeans annually would align closely with the volume bought in 2023-24. 

However, this figure is lower than the average purchase of approximately 32 million tonnes recorded between the 2020-21 and 2022-23 marketing years, according to ING.

Therefore, we will still need to see the US finding alternative export markets and/or increasing the domestic crush.

And the latter is something we have seen grow in recent years due to increased demand for feedstock from the renewable diesel sector.

US biofuel policy

A significant factor supporting the soybean market this year is the robust performance of the US soybean oil market, which has appreciated by over 30% year-to-date.

The proposed US biofuel policy is poised to significantly boost the market. 

A key element of this proposal is the increase in the volume requirements for biomass-based diesel under the Renewable Fuel Standards, which are set to rise by approximately 67% to 5.61 billion gallons by 2026. 

This substantial increase is highly supportive of soybean oil and soybean prices, given that soybean oil is a primary feedstock for biofuels.

Currently, biofuel production accounts for about 50% of US soybean oil usage. 

Looking ahead to the 2025-26 period, the anticipated demand for soybean oil from the biofuel sector is expected to necessitate over 1.4 billion bushels of soybeans, which represents roughly a third of the total US soybean production, ING said.

“Clearly, if these proposals are finalised, they would support domestic soybean oil demand, which should also attract further investment in domestic soybean crush capacity,” Patterson said. 

This trend is already evident in recent years, driven by growth in renewable diesel production capacity.

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Ford and Renault are setting up a new production strategy in Europe as competition from Chinese electric carmakers intensifies.

Both companies face cost pressures and market shifts that are changing how vehicles are made across the region.

Their plan focuses on shared platforms, cheaper development cycles, and flexible output as the European Union prepares updates on future engine rules later this month.

The partnership comes at a time when many manufacturers are reworking their electric vehicle plans in response to slow charging expansion, high production costs, and strong demand for lower-priced models from both European and Chinese brands.

New push for affordable EVs

Renault will develop and produce two Ford-branded models in northern France, with the first expected to reach showrooms in early 2028.

Both firms also intend to explore joint van manufacturing.

The cooperation gives Ford access to Renault’s lower-cost EV development processes, including work done in Shanghai for the electric Twingo, which is due next summer and expected to be priced below €20,000, or $23,299.

Europe shifts strategy amid Chinese expansion

Car manufacturers in Europe are under pressure as Chinese brands such as BYD expand with low-cost electric and hybrid vehicles.

European companies are also adopting Chinese engineering know-how to reduce costs and shorten production timelines.

This shift is reshaping the competitive landscape across the region and affecting long-term investment decisions for legacy brands.

Ford trims its European footprint

Ford’s market share in Europe has shrunk from more than 7% a decade ago to just over 3%.

The company has been cutting output and jobs, signalling a smaller operational presence.

At its Cologne plant, where it produces electric vehicles on a Volkswagen platform, Ford will move to a single production line in 2026 after announcing workforce reductions in September.

Production has already ended in Saarlouis, showing a broader shift toward partnerships rather than maintaining a full standalone manufacturing base.

Industry reacts to policy uncertainty

European carmakers are adjusting their electric plans after early strategies stumbled due to limited charging infrastructure and higher-than-expected costs.

Policymakers in Brussels may revise the planned 2035 phase-out of combustion engine car sales, following industry claims that consumers are switching to EVs more slowly than predicted.

At the same time, the region is seeing a rise in state-supported EV imports from China.

Other brands are also redirecting their efforts toward affordable models.

Stellantis increased output of Citroëns in November due to strong demand for the C3 city car, while Volkswagen is preparing budget options such as the ID. Polo, is expected to be priced below €25,000 next year.

Ford and Renault are also planning shared van production as part of this broader focus on cost efficiency.

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Lloyds share price has remained in a tight range in the past few days as the important resistance level at 100p remained elusive. It was trading at 96p as the post-Autumn Budget rally stalled. It has jumped by 84% this year, its best performance since 2012 when it soared by 86%. So, does the stock have more gains to go in the near term?

Why Lloyds share price is rising this year 

Lloyds Bank stock price has been in a strong rally this year, outperforming the FTSE 100 Index and most of its peers like Barclays and Metro Bank.

The rally happened even as the British economy remained in a bind, which was characterized by high inflation, taxes, and slow growth. 

One main reason for the rally is that the high inflation rate has pushed the Bank of England (BoE) to maintain a hawkish view throughout the year. The bank has benefited from high interest rates, which have increased the spread between what it pays on assets compared to what it pays on liabilities.

Higher interest rates have pushed the company to generate strong financial results. Its statutory profit after tax rose to £3.3 billion in the nine months of the year. Its return on tangible equity was 11.9%, down from the previous 14.6%.

The decline was because of its large provision on the motor insurance crisis. Its remediation cost for the nine months rose to £912 million from the £124 million it spent in the same period last year. On the positive side, the crisis is now nearly over, meaning that the company will not spend more money on it.

Rachel Reeves spares banks from windfall taxes 

Most recently, the Lloyds share price has risen as Rachel Reeves spared the bank from paying a windfall tax that some analysts were expecting. A few months ago, a top British think tank known as the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) predicted that a windfall tax would raise billions of pounds without hurting the British economy.

Reeves judged that implementing the windfall tax would be retrogressive and make it tough for the country to attract more companies in the financial sector.

Lloyds Bank share price has jumped this year, mirroring the performance of other European banks like Unicredit, Standard Chartered, Deutsche Bank, and Commerzbank.

Looking ahead, analysts are a bit pessimistic about the company noting that it lacks a clear catalyst going forward. Analysts also warn that the company has now become highly overvalued and that it is due for a correction. In a recent note, MorningStar analysts noted the stock should be valued at 78p, which is much lower than the current 95p.

On the positive side, however, the stock will likely continue doing well as long as the global stock market bull run continues when central banks like the Federal Reserve and Bank of England (BoE) start cutting interest rates. 

Lloyds stock price technical analysis 

The daily timeframe chart shows that the LLOY stock price has remained in a bull run in the past few months and is now hovering near its highest level this year.

However, it has now formed a double-top pattern whose neckline is at 85.80p. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) has moved from the overbought point of 75 to the current 59, while the two lines of the MACD indicator are nearing their bearish crossover.

Therefore, there is a risk that the stock will pull back in the near term. If this happens, the next key support level to watch will be at 90p.

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The global airline industry is facing a significant setback in its environmental goals, with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) announcing on Tuesday that the sector is expected to fall short of its crucial targets for the adoption of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in the immediate years ahead. 

This disappointing prognosis, according to the major airline body, stems primarily from a failure on the part of fuel producers to scale up supply and what it perceives as inadequate or counterproductive regulatory frameworks.

IATA’s statement underscores a deepening concern across the industry that the transition to greener operations is moving too slowly. 

The widespread adoption of SAF is considered the most vital tool for the airline sector to achieve its ambitious goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. 

However, the current pace of progress is deemed “disappointing,” jeopardising the industry’s mid-term objectives.

Production capacity and economic hurdles

The central problem remains the lack of adequate production capacity for SAF. 

While airlines are increasingly willing to commit to purchasing the more environmentally friendly fuel, producers have struggled to secure the necessary investment to build and operate large-scale refining facilities. 

Furthermore, IATA criticised the fragmented and often punitive regulatory approach being taken by various global governments, according to a Reuters report. 

SAF offers a substantial pathway to decarbonising the aviation sector, primarily by utilising feedstocks like waste materials and used cooking oil. 

Compared to conventional jet fuel, SAF can drastically reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions. 

However, its widespread adoption faces significant economic hurdles. Currently, SAF is two to five times pricier than traditional fuel, a cost differential that aircraft operators are hesitant to absorb. 

This high cost is a major barrier to scaling up production and utilisation, necessitating policy support, technological advancements, and increased investment to bring SAF costs down to a competitive level.

Insufficient growth and industry frustration

IATA projects 2.4 million metric tons of SAF will be available in 2026, meeting only 0.8% of total fuel needs. 

The aviation industry aims for net-zero emissions by 2050, primarily through the switch to SAF, a commitment made in 2021.

“We’re not seeing SAF produced in the volumes we had hoped for and had expected. That is disappointing,” the trade group’s director general Willie Walsh was quoted in the Reuters report. 

He had previously warned that the 2050 net zero goal could be at risk.

To meet its emissions targets, the aviation sector urgently needs to boost the production of SAF. 

Currently, SAF constitutes only about 0.3% of global jet fuel consumption, a figure IATA data projects to rise to just 0.7% by 2025.

Experts stress that this growth rate is insufficient.

Airlines have consistently stated their readiness to purchase all available SAF. However, they criticise jet fuel manufacturers, alleging that they are deliberately keeping prices high and not producing sufficient quantities of the more environmentally friendly fuel.

Walsh said:

It’s not an issue of price, it’s an issue of availability, and they’re just not able to get their hands on the SAF that they require to fulfil the ambition that they expressed. 

He also mentioned his belief that numerous airlines would retract their official sustainability commitments in 2026. 

He pointed to Air New Zealand as the pioneer in establishing more achievable targets, setting an example for the industry.

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