Banking

Cross-border team advises Société Générale on export credit financing and delivery of cruise vessel “MSC World America”

Global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright has advised Société Générale and a syndicate of international banks on the BpiFAE-backed financing arrangements and delivery of MSC Cruises’ latest vessel, “MSC World America”.

The vessel, which is the latest iteration of MSC Cruises’ newest class of vessel, was delivered at Chantiers de l’Atlantique’s yard in Saint-Nazaire on 27 March 2025.

MSC World America is one of the most energy-efficient cruise ships in the world surpassing all design requirements...

https://allaboutshipping.co.uk/2025/04/17/cross-border-team-advises-societe-generale-on-export-credit-financing-and-delivery-of-cruise-vessel-msc-world-america/

Market Report: “Big progress”, little substance

Steve Clayton
  • Trump claims “Big progress” in trade talks with Japan
  • Powell highlights inflation risk
  • Sainsbury results welcomed – positive outlook for FY26
  • Rentokil Initial – not getting any worse
  • Deliveroo sees takeaways take off
  • Brent crude firm at $66.20, US dollar claws back some lost ground

Steve Clayton, head of equity funds, Hargreaves Lansdown:

“Tariffs continue to make the headlines, with Donald Trump claiming that “big progress” had been made in talks with Japanese negotiators, aimed...

https://allaboutshipping.co.uk/2025/04/17/market-report-big-progress-little-substance/

Market Report: Asian markets fall on Nvidia tariff shock, Bunzl slumps

Steve Clayton.
  • Asian markets slide after US toughens its stance on sale of Nvidia chips into China
  • Nvidia slides 6% in after-hours trading on Wall Street
  • Minerals could be next for tariffs
  • Barratt Redrow edges higher after upbeat trading update
  • Rio Tinto iron ore production hit by “extreme weather events”
  • Bunzl profits hit by US weakness. Stock slumps

Steve Clayton, head of equity funds at Hargreaves Lansdown:

“Asian markets were pressured overnight after the US placed additional curbs on Nvidia...

https://allaboutshipping.co.uk/2025/04/16/market-report-asian-markets-fall-on-nvidia-tariff-shock-bunzl-slumps/

Market Report: tariffs, tyres & takeovers

Steve Clayton
  • Asian markets rally on hopes of tariff exemptions
  • Halfords lifts guidance after strong trading
  • De La Rue agrees takeover
  • Dollar slips again
  • Brent holds steady at $65

Steve Clayton, head of equity funds at Hargreaves Lansdown:

“Futures markets were suggesting a steady start to trading in London and Europe after Asian markets rallied overnight. Sentiment was boosted after US President, Donald Trump suggested that he might pause the introduction of some of his proposed tariffs...

https://allaboutshipping.co.uk/2025/04/15/market-report-tariffs-tyres-takeovers/

Wages and jobs: the china shop before the bull is unleashed

  • Before inflation, wages in December-February were up 5.9% in a year excluding bonuses and 5.6% including them. This is very similar to the previous quarter.
  • After inflation, wages rose 1.9% including bonuses and 2.1% excluding them. This is slightly down from the previous quarter, as a result of higher inflation.
  • Vacancies fell for the 33rd successive quarter, and for the first time they were below the pre-pandemic level.
  • The employment rate was up over the quarter and the year, the...

https://allaboutshipping.co.uk/2025/04/15/wages-and-jobs-the-china-shop-before-the-bull-is-unleashed/

Happy 18th Birthday! Rewarding ways to celebrate

Sarah Coles
  • The average matured HL JISA in the 2024/25 tax year was worth £19,537.
  • There were 12% more maturing HL JISAs in the 2024/25 tax year than a year earlier.
  • Among HL clients with matured JISAs, the vast majority still have money invested a year later.
  • Quarter of matured HL JISA clients have topped up a year after maturity (24%).
  • Today’s 18-year-olds may also have a child trust fund – worth over £2,000 on average.
  • 23% more HL LISA clients paid into it this tax year.

Sarah Coles, head of...

https://allaboutshipping.co.uk/2025/04/15/happy-18th-birthday-rewarding-ways-to-celebrate/

Market Report: markets rise after a whirlwind weekend of tech tariff drama

Matt Britzman
  • European markets open higher
  • US futures rise as tech components get tariff reprieve
  • Apple in focus as tariff delay gives time to plan
  • Gold’s safe-haven appeal drives it to yet another all-time high
  • Oil markets remain jittery
  • Takeaway for investors – stick to the plan

Matt Britzman, senior equity analyst, Hargreaves Lansdown:

“Just when it seemed the tariff chaos couldn’t get any worse, tech investors have spent the weekend scrambling to make sense of a whirlwind of confusing – and...

https://allaboutshipping.co.uk/2025/04/14/market-report-markets-rise-after-a-whirlwind-weekend-of-tech-tariff-drama/

Six months to get Red Box Ready – six steps to protect from the Budget

Sarah Coles
  • The autumn Budget is usually in late October or early November – six months away.
  • Threats to global growth from the looming threat of Trump’s tariffs mean the government may not have the tax income it needs to stay within its fiscal rules by then.
  • This could mean spending cuts or tax rises.
  • While the PM has insisted the fiscal rules and the pledge not to change income tax, NI or VAT are iron clad, circumstances could mean a rethink.
  • You have six months to protect yourself from...

https://allaboutshipping.co.uk/2025/04/14/six-months-to-get-red-box-ready-six-steps-to-protect-from-the-budget/

Market report: Punishing Chinese tariffs send another jolt of deep pessimism through markets

Susannah Streeter
  • Whipsaw of sentiment as 104% tariffs are introduced on Chinese imports by the US.
  • Stocks reverse as the world’s top economies become locked in a trade war.
  • Nikkei falls 3.3% while the FTSE 100 is set to erase Tuesday’s gains.
  • Renewed appetite for gold amid the volatility, with the precious metal rising more than 1.7%.
  • Volatility hits the bond markets and the allure of Treasuries as a safe haven asset dulls.
  • Brent crude drops more than 2% to trade around $61 a barrel – levels...

https://allaboutshipping.co.uk/2025/04/09/market-report-punishing-chinese-tariffs-send-another-jolt-of-deep-pessimism-through-markets/

Monaco reaffirms commitment to anti-money laundering strategy amid ongoing FATF scrutiny

Monaco; the marina and at the centre the Yacht Club de Monaco
Good Morning Monaco

Wednesday, April 9, 2025

Monaco reaffirms commitment to anti-money laundering strategy amid ongoing FATF scrutiny Monaco has taken a decisive step forward in its fight against financial crime as the Coordination and Monitoring Committee overseeing the national anti-money laundering strategy convened its first official session on Monday, April 7…

Prince Albert II urges unity and youth diplomacy at MEDMUN in Monaco His...

https://allaboutshipping.co.uk/2025/04/09/monaco-reaffirms-commitment-to-anti-money-laundering-strategy-amid-ongoing-fatf-scrutiny/

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