Sophia Blackwell

Financial Markets Correspondent

Award-winning financial journalist with 14 years of experience covering global banking, fintech disruption, and regulatory developments. Former investment banker who transitioned to journalism to provide insider perspective on financial markets. Specializes in central bank policy, digital payments, cryptocurrency regulation, and the transformation of traditional banking through technology.

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European Stocks Rise: Edenred SE Holds Steady as ECB Cuts Loom

European equities climb on ECB easing and mining gains. Edenred SE trades in a tight 52‑week range, showing stable consumer‑service resilience and low volatility—ideal for risk‑averse investors.

Sophia Blackwell

31/12/2025, 21:54

4 minutes to read

Buffett Steps Back, Greg Abel Takes Helm at Berkshire – What It Means for Investors

Warren Buffett steps back as Greg Abel takes over Berkshire Hathaway, a smooth transition that keeps long‑term value investing intact.

Sophia Blackwell

31/12/2025, 08:50

4 minutes to read

Bank of Ireland Group PLC: Strong Earnings, Low Beta & Attractive Value

Bank of Ireland Group PLC (BI) offers a low‑beta, dividend‑yielding opportunity with solid earnings growth, strong capital ratios, and an attractive P/E discount.

Sophia Blackwell

31/12/2025, 08:10

5 minutes to read

Citigroup Sells Russian Assets to Renaissance Capital, Expects $1‑1.5 B Loss

Citigroup sells its last Russian assets to Renaissance Capital, taking a $1‑$1.5 billion pre‑tax loss to cut geopolitical risk and boost capital ratios.

Sophia Blackwell

31/12/2025, 06:30

3 minutes to read

Regions Financial: Stable Bank, Strong Valuation, and 2.45% Dividend Appeal

Regions Financial Corp stays steady in volatile markets, offering below‑average P/E, solid dividend yield, strong capital ratios, and growing mortgage‑and‑leasing income.

Sophia Blackwell

31/12/2025, 01:52

4 minutes to read

How Nexi SpA’s Q1 Growth and PSD2 Changes Position It for EU Payment Expansion

Explore how Nexi SpA’s 5.8% revenue growth and rising market share are shaped by PSD2, ECB policy, and geopolitical tensions – a deep dive for savvy investors.

Sophia Blackwell

30/12/2025, 22:34

4 minutes to read

Morgan Stanley Drives Market Interest with 2026 AI & Robotics Outlook and Options Surge

Explore Morgan Stanley’s 2026 outlook, AI, cybersecurity growth plans and rising options activity, plus new robotics research on Chinese leader Baxter.

Sophia Blackwell

30/12/2025, 16:26

6 minutes to read

Allianz 2025 Earnings Forecast & New Equity‑Linked Bonds Boost Investor Appeal

Allianz SE forecasts 2025 earnings growth and launches equity‑linked bonds—offering investors a hybrid yield with upside in a low‑rate, rate‑cut environment.

Sophia Blackwell

30/12/2025, 13:37

4 minutes to read

ING Groep NV Surges 12.4% as Strong Capital, Rates & Dividends Drive Investor Confidence

ING Groep NV’s 12.4% share rise, strong CET‑1 ratios and 3.9% dividend yield give investors confidence, yet rising inflation and tighter EU banking rules could curb future growth.

Sophia Blackwell

30/12/2025, 12:18

4 minutes to read

Bank of America’s 2025 Outlook: Tariff Cuts, Fed Politics & PRS REIT Boost

Bank of America’s latest outlook: tariff easing by 2026, Fed‑politics risks, and a 15% stake in PRS REIT—how these moves reshape banking profitability and portfolio strategy.

Sophia Blackwell

30/12/2025, 10:54

5 minutes to read

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