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Commerzbank Delivers Strongest Quarterly Results in Over a Decade Amid Takeover Tensions

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Germany’s Commerzbank has reported its highest quarterly profit since 2011, beating market expectations and reinforcing its position as it fends off takeover efforts by Italy’s UniCredit.

For the first quarter of 2025, Commerzbank posted a 12% increase in net income, reaching €834 million, defying earlier forecasts of a decline. Revenues also climbed 12% year-on-year to €3.1 billion, while net commission income rose by 6% to €1 billion, bolstered by a robust performance in its securities business. However, net interest income declined slightly to €2.07 billion amid falling interest rates.

Chief Executive Bettina Orlopp hailed the performance as a sign of strength despite challenging economic conditions. “We achieved the highest quarterly profit since 2011, demonstrating that we can grow even in economically challenging times,” she said. “We are progressing with the implementation of our strategy ‘Momentum’. We plan to return more capital to our shareholders in the coming years.”

The bank recently concluded a €1 billion share buyback programme launched in November 2024 and plans to propose a dividend of €0.65 per share at its Annual General Meeting on May 15.

These positive results come at a critical juncture, as Commerzbank seeks to resist UniCredit’s takeover push. The Italian lender has increased its stake to 29.9%, just below the 30% threshold that would trigger a mandatory public offer. In response, Commerzbank has launched cost-cutting initiatives, including plans to reduce its workforce by 10% — a move currently under negotiation with employee representatives.

Union-led protests against a potential takeover are also scheduled to take place ahead of the AGM, highlighting growing internal resistance.

Despite the corporate unrest, the bank reaffirmed its 2025 targets, projecting a full-year net profit of approximately €2.4 billion after restructuring expenses. €40 million has already been set aside this quarter for early retirement schemes as part of the broader cost-reduction plan.

The lender also noted progress in its efforts to reduce reliance on interest income as rates fall, with return on tangible equity rising to 11.1% from 10.5% in the same quarter last year.

CFO Carsten Schmitt confirmed the bank is on course to meet its full-year equity return target of around 9.6%. “We are reducing our dependency on net interest income. We confirm our outlook for 2025,” he said.

As pressure mounts from both markets and potential acquirers, Commerzbank’s performance could prove pivotal in maintaining its independence.

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Financial Influencer Jenny Okpechi Shares How Early Investing Helped Her Build a Six-Figure Portfolio

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Financial influencer Jenny Okpechi, known online as @savvymoneygirl, is championing the power of early and consistent investing after building a multiple six-figure portfolio through smart financial planning and diversified income streams.

Speaking to Euronews, Okpechi emphasized that wealth-building is a long-term process rooted in discipline, education, and strategic action—not overnight success. Her financial journey began at just 16, when she started saving and investing small amounts despite limited resources.

“I started very young and very intentionally,” she said. “I learned to budget, live within my means, and gradually moved from saving to investing in treasury bills, corporate bonds, and stocks.”

Raised in a traditional African household where financial decision-making was often seen as a male role, Okpechi had to push against cultural barriers. “I wanted to prove that women could manage and grow money just as well,” she said. That determination led her to pursue multiple sources of income while also studying, including paid surveys, tutoring, and blogging.

Today, Okpechi boasts eight income streams, ranging from her full-time job as a Scrum Master and a part-time healthcare assistant role, to digital product sales, affiliate marketing, brand collaborations, and investments in REITs, index funds, and stocks. She is also building Moneybestie, a fintech app aimed at improving financial literacy among women and girls.

“I pay myself first and invest consistently. I only invest in what I understand—nothing fancy, just steady and simple,” she said. She credits compound interest and the discipline of regular investing as major factors in her portfolio growth.

Okpechi encourages young people to start investing early—even with small amounts. “Don’t wait until you earn more. Start with £25 a month if that’s all you can. Automate it, and let time do the work,” she advised. “Time in the market beats timing the market.”

Despite her success, Okpechi has faced challenges—from overcoming imposter syndrome in the male-dominated finance and tech industries to battling burnout while juggling multiple roles. She also confronted deep-rooted gender biases that undervalue women’s financial potential.

Her message to aspiring investors is clear: “Learn about money like your financial freedom depends on it—because it does. Talk about money, forgive your financial mistakes, and keep moving forward.”

With Generation Z reportedly beginning to invest earlier than previous generations—at an average age of 19—Okpechi’s story offers both inspiration and practical guidance for anyone looking to secure their financial future.

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U.S. Economy Contracts for First Time in Three Years Amid Tariff Turmoil

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The U.S. economy shrank at an annual rate of 0.2% in the first quarter of 2025, marking the first contraction in three years, according to revised figures released Thursday by the Commerce Department. The downturn was driven primarily by a sharp increase in imports, as businesses rushed to bring in foreign goods ahead of sweeping tariffs announced by President Donald Trump.

The updated gross domestic product (GDP) figures represent a modest revision from the department’s earlier estimate of a 0.3% decline. The reversal follows a 2.4% expansion in the final quarter of 2024.

Imports surged at a staggering 42.6% annual rate during the January-to-March period—the fastest pace since late 2020. That influx of foreign goods, though technically counted as part of consumer spending, subtracts from GDP since it represents consumption of items not produced domestically. The import spike alone shaved more than five percentage points off overall economic growth.

At the same time, consumer spending weakened significantly, and federal government expenditures dropped at a 4.6% annual rate, the steepest decline in three years.

“The rush to import goods ahead of the tariffs created a temporary drag on growth,” said a senior Commerce Department official, noting that the effect is expected to ease in the second quarter.

Despite the overall contraction, underlying economic indicators remained relatively strong. Business investment soared by 24.4%, and inventory accumulation—prompted by concerns over supply disruptions—contributed more than 2.6 percentage points to GDP. A core measure of economic activity, which excludes volatile elements like exports and government spending, rose at a solid 2.5% annual pace, down slightly from 2.9% in the previous quarter.

President Trump’s trade policies have introduced a new layer of uncertainty for U.S. businesses. The administration imposed 10% tariffs on a broad array of imports, alongside specific duties on steel, aluminum, and automobiles. However, a federal court on Wednesday struck down the blanket tariffs and several country-specific levies, ruling that the president had exceeded his legal authority.

Economists suggest that the first-quarter weakness may prove temporary but warn that the ongoing trade disputes could weigh on growth throughout the year. The Commerce Department will release its final estimate for first-quarter GDP on June 26.

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Stellantis Appoints Antonio Filosa as CEO Amid Profit Slump and Strategic Challenges

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Stellantis has named Antonio Filosa, its Chief Operating Officer for North America, as the company’s new Chief Executive Officer, following the unexpected resignation of former CEO Carlos Tavares in December. Filosa, 51, will formally assume the role on June 23, pending approval at an upcoming shareholder meeting.

The announcement, made on Monday, comes at a turbulent time for the world’s fourth-largest carmaker, which has been grappling with slowing sales in key markets and internal disagreements over the pace of electrification.

Stellantis, the multinational automotive group behind 14 brands including Peugeot, Fiat, Chrysler, Citroën, and Jeep, issued a profit warning last September due to slumping demand in the United States and Europe. The warning preceded the abrupt exit of Tavares, who reportedly clashed with the board over his aggressive push for a full transition to battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in Europe by 2030. The board had advocated for a more gradual approach.

Filosa’s appointment signals a strategic reset for the group, which is under pressure from weak North American performance, rising global competition, and trade policy uncertainties, particularly from the United States. Former President Donald Trump’s tariff stance on foreign automakers continues to cast a shadow over multinational manufacturers like Stellantis.

In its official statement, the company praised Filosa for his “proven track record of hands-on success during his more than 25 years in the automotive industry,” as well as his “unrivalled knowledge of the company and recognised leadership qualities.” The Naples-born executive has held various leadership roles across Stellantis’ global operations and was promoted to head of North America shortly after Tavares’ departure.

During his tenure in North America, Filosa has worked to reduce bloated inventories and restore dealer confidence following months of sluggish sales. As CEO, he will now oversee a vast portfolio of brands and be tasked with balancing profitability, innovation, and sustainability across diverse markets.

Filosa’s leadership will be closely watched as Stellantis navigates regulatory shifts, intensifying competition in electric vehicles, and a volatile geopolitical landscape. The shareholder meeting to confirm his appointment is expected to be announced in the coming days.

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