-- The eurozone's seasonally adjusted general government deficit-to-gross domestic product ratio stood at 2.9% in 2025, down from the revised 3% in the previous year, according to Eurostat data published Wednesday.
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Research Alert: Ubs Q1 Beats On Integration And Ib Strength; Capital Requirements Cloud Outlook
CFRA, an independent research provider, has providedwith the following research alert. Analysts at CFRA have summarized their opinion as follows:UBS delivered exceptional Q1 2026 results with net profit of USD3.0B (+80% Y/Y) and underlying PBT of USD4.0B (+54% Y/Y), beating consensus estimates. The strong performance reflected broad-based momentum, with underlying revenues advancing 18% and the fourth consecutive quarter of positive operating leverage. UBS achieved a pivotal milestone in the Credit Suisse integration, completing Swiss client account transfers and delivering USD0.8B in additional gross cost savings. Management expressed confidence in substantially completing the integration by year-end 2026 and achieving exit rate targets of an underlying return on CET1 capital of approximately 15% and a cost-to-income ratio below 70%. However, two significant overhangs temper the outlook: proposed Swiss capital framework changes requiring an additional USD22B in CET1 capital represent a material headwind, while elevated geopolitical risks could shift client sentiment given management's guidance for flat net interest income sequentially in Q2 2026.
$UBS
Oil & Energy
EMEA Oil Update: Brent Surges After UAE Quits OPEC, Hormuz Blockade Continues
Brent crude futures surged on Wednesday, hovering near its highest level since early April following a historic exit by the UAE from OPEC, combined with a persistent dual naval blockade of Strait of Hormuz.The Brent futures contract gained 1% to $112.36 per barrel, taking the contract to its highest since late March. Murban closed at $106.70 on April 28 and was not trading as of the time of publishing this oil price update.The surge follows a historic blow to the global oil cartel as the UAE officially announced its withdrawal from OPEC, effective May 1.Energy Minister Suhail Al Mazrouei confirmed the move was a "policy-driven evolution" aimed at bypassing production quotas to rebuild global reserves and monetize the country's expanded capacity.Rystad Energy strategists warn that UAE's exit, combined with these vanishing stockpiles, raises critical questions about OPEC's future ability to manage an increasingly fractured and undersupplied global market.The current supply outlook remains dire as the Strait of Hormuz remains virtually shuttered.US President Donald Trump reportedly instructed aides Tuesday to prepare for an "extended blockade" of Iran, even as he claimed on social media that the Tehran regime is in a "state of collapse" and seeking to reopen the waterway.Adding to the bullish momentum, data from the American Petroleum Institute revealed that US crude inventories plunged by 1.79 million barrels for the week ended April 24.The oil market now awaits the US Energy Information Administration's petroleum inventory report, scheduled for release on Wednesday."Traders now focus on the next steps in peace talks and today's US inventory report for further signs of how quickly US stockpiles are falling amid robust export demand," Saxo Bank analysts said.
Research
Research Alert: Azn Q1 2026 Beat As Oncology Remains Strong; Reaffirms 2026 Guidance
CFRA, an independent research provider, has providedwith the following research alert. Analysts at CFRA have summarized their opinion as follows:AstraZeneca (AZN) posted 13% total revenue growth (+8% at constant exchange rates, CER) to USD15.3B in Q1 2026, beating consensus estimates of USD14.9B, with oncology remaining the key contributor (+16% CER). Imfinzi climbed 30% CER, supported by multiple new launches, while Enhertu grew 34% CER on continued global demand, with core operating margin remaining broadly stable Y/Y at 35% despite R&D (+8% CER) and SG&A (+7% CER) expense increases. We continue to like AZN for its strong pipeline and numerous key data readouts throughout 2026, supported by four positive Phase 3 trials and 14 regulatory approvals achieved since Q4 2025. AZN reiterated its 2026 guidance for mid- to high-single-digit revenue growth and low double-digit core EPS growth, with currency movements expected to provide modest support. We see this compelling dataset helping support its ambitious target to reach USD80B in total revenue by 2030, with guidance that is more favorable than peers like Novartis.
$AZN