NHS is drinking in ‘last chance saloon’, says Labour health advisor

Governments emphasize the importance of heat pumps in reducing fossil fuel reliance, yet adoption remains slow, with a 21% drop in sales in 2024. Key factors include changing support schemes, economic conditions, and disinformation; while the UK saw a rise in sales, Germany's market lagged, though new policies aim to improve competitiveness and reduce gas dependency. Need More Context? 🔎

The European Commission has proposed revisions to EU debt securitisation rules to reduce capital charges for banks and streamline regulations, aiming to invigorate the securitisation market and boost economic competitiveness. While the changes, including lowering risk weights and simplifying investor obligations, are intended to enhance funding availability, critics argue they may compromise financial stability and international standards established post-2008 crisis. Need More Context? 🔎

Germany's Bundesbank has criticized Chancellor Friedrich Merz's reforms to encourage later retirement, stating they are insufficient to alleviate the fiscal pressures of an ageing population, where early retirement is prevalent due to existing incentives. The central bank suggests more significant policy changes, like linking the retirement age to life expectancy, to address the impending demographic challenges effectively. Need More Context? 🔎

The EU is proposing to revise merger rules for defense companies to attract investment in the arms industry, highlighting the need to boost weapons manufacturing amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. This includes considering "defense readiness" positively in merger evaluations and clarifying compliance with environmental standards, despite concerns from sustainability advocates about diverting funds from climate initiatives. Need More Context? 🔎

The scarcity of German Bunds has ended, according to Tammo Diemer from Germany's finance agency, as increased sales fund a €1tn defence and infrastructure package. This shift follows the European Central Bank's cessation of bond-buying, leading to greater availability of German bonds and heightened interest in AAA-rated euro debt from global investors diversifying away from dollar assets. Need More Context? 🔎

The scarcity of German Bunds is over, according to Tammo Diemer from Germany’s finance agency, as increased sales of benchmark debt follow the end of quantitative easing, aimed at funding a €1 trillion defense and infrastructure package. The shift has led to greater availability of German bonds and rising yields, attracting global investors to euro-denominated debt amid uncertainties surrounding the dollar's stability. Need More Context? 🔎