Invest and GO!

Gold is often bought as insurance against uncertainty, but recent weeks have shown that its price does not necessarily rise even during difficult periods. Expensive energy revived inflation concerns while also supporting expectations of further interest rate increases. Investors therefore began comparing their holdings of the precious metal more closely with the yields offered by bonds. The latest U.S. data brought partial relief, but the losses incurred so far were not erased, however.

German group Volkswagen was a symbol of the strength of the European automotive world for decades, but today it is facing pressure on several fronts. From its weakening position in China and the costly transition to electric vehicles to production in Europe that is larger than necessary. The problems have also affected what was once its most valuable asset, the Porsche brand. Management is therefore preparing extensive changes that will affect factories, jobs and the vehicle line-up itself. There is not much confidence to be seen on the stock market either, and after more than a decade Volkswagen is no longer part of one of Europe’s most important indices.

Chinese automakers have grown accustomed to rapid growth, but at home they are now fighting for customers. Strong competition and rising costs are also leaving them with increasingly little room for profit. Some want to put their experience in developing intelligent cars to use in another sector and are turning their attention to humanoid robots. Yet there is a big difference between a robot in a company’s own factory and a product that customers will order. Manufacturers are therefore exploring several options at once while continuing to expand their automotive business abroad.