Half a billion euros in fresh capital – and a clear signal to the German real estate market: The Berlin start-up GNIW has secured the support of one of the world's most renowned financial investors. The Fortress Investment Group, together with its owner, the Mubadala sovereign wealth fund from Abu Dhabi, is providing significant resources to invest in German residential real estate. At the center is a business model that is gaining increasing importance in an aging society.

BioNTech was the symbol of the pandemic stock market boom. Today, the Mainz-based biotech company faces a significantly more sober reality. The stock has lost about a quarter of its value since 2023, despite recent attempts at recovery. Now, the company is focusing on a profound strategic realignment and is filling a key personnel position on the board for the first time. The question for investors: Is this a genuine turning point—or just another piece in a long transformation?

The world football association wanted to be innovative, more digital, more lucrative – and is now coming under the scrutiny of regulatory authorities. With a blockchain-based ticket system, FIFA aimed to generate additional revenue from the 2026 World Cup. But what was marketed as a technological future solution could turn out to be a legal minefield. In Germany, the gambling supervisory authority is investigating, and in Switzerland, the system has already been taken offline following a criminal complaint.

The chemical giant Dow is pulling the emergency brake. In light of weak demand, high energy costs, and growing regulatory burdens, the US company announces a profound restructuring. Around 4,500 jobs are to be cut worldwide. The goal is to sustainably increase profitability—by at least two billion dollars in the core business. The tough cost-cutting strategy is initially well-received on the stock market.

The long-term demographic trend is making an impact. For the first time since 2020, the population in Germany has declined again—despite ongoing immigration. According to an initial estimate by the Federal Statistical Office, around 83.5 million people lived in the Federal Republic at the end of 2025, about 100,000 fewer than a year earlier. This makes it evident what has been foretold in the statistics for years: the aging of society and the persistently low birth rate are surpassing even high migration gains.

A name can determine whether one gets a roof over their head or faces rejection. The Federal Court of Justice has now made it clear: Anyone who discriminates against prospective tenants because of their origin is liable. This applies not only to the landlord but also to the agent. In a case from Hesse, a real estate agent must pay 3,000 euros in damages because he systematically excluded an applicant with a foreign-sounding name. The ruling sets a legal precedent and increases the pressure on an industry that plays a key role in the housing market.

The US Federal Reserve is keeping interest rates unchanged, sending a signal of monetary policy steadfastness in an increasingly politicized environment. The key interest rate remains at 3.5 to 3.75 percent. Fed Chair Jerome Powell states there is "currently no data-driven reason" for easing. However, while the markets respond calmly, the foreign exchange market reveals a deeper shift: Despite clear interest rate advantages, the dollar continues to lose trust.