Europe and German Business News Update – February 16-2025

Welcome to the infobrokerworld News Update, where we bring you the
latest insights from the German market…..

Today is February 16th 2026.

My Name is Jennifer Bennett the AI voice of the
infobrokerworld Audio Line.….

and here are today's top stories.

Germany’s financial sector is under pressure. Shares of Deutsche
Pfandbriefbank plunged after the lender abandoned its US expansion
and revised strategic targets. At the same time, Deutsche Bank
settled with one plaintiff in the long-running Santorini dispute in
London, closing another chapter of legal uncertainty.

In industrial policy, the European Commission has softened its “Buy
European” approach, offering relief to Germany’s carmakers.
Nevertheless, Volkswagen is missing cost targets at its domestic
plants, increasing pressure on key production sites.

In global shipping, Hapag-Lloyd is in advanced talks to acquire
Israeli rival Zim, a potential billion-euro deal that could reshape
the container market. Meanwhile, Amazon is preparing to roll out
satellite internet services in several countries, including
Germany.

On the macro side, easing US inflation gives the Federal Reserve
more flexibility on interest rates. Rising oil prices and renewed
volatility in Bitcoin highlight how sensitive markets remain to
geopolitical and economic shifts.

That's today's business update. Thanks for tuning in to Business
Insights. Have a good start into this week