Inflation in the euro zone increased from 1.7% to 2% in October 2024, according to latest figures released on Thursday 31st October 2024, exceeding the forecast of 1.9%. weakening case for jumbo rate cut
Both core inflation and services inflation reportedly remained the same as the previous month.
The markets are anticipating a 0.25% reduction in interest rates by the European Central Bank in December 2024, while analysts have suggested that the latest figures could sway the argument against a more substantial cut.
A reduction of 0.5% has been muted but is now less likely.
In October 2024, Germany’s inflation rate rose to 2.4%, as per the preliminary figures from the Federal Statistical Office, Destatis
This increase defied the expectations of analysts, who had predicted a 0.1% decrease, thus narrowly preventing Germany from entering a technical recession, defined by two successive quarters of economic decline.
The inflation rate is adjusted for consistency across the eurozone.
Following this, Destatis released a preliminary report earlier on Wednesday 30th October 2024 showing that Germany’s GDP grew by 0.2% in the third quarter, in comparison to the preceding three months.
The U.S. economy experienced another growth spurt, albeit slightly underwhelming, growth period in the third quarter, driven by strong consumer spending that has surpassed slowdown expectations
The gross domestic product (GDP), which gauges all goods and services produced from July through September 2024, rose at a 2.8% annualised pace, as per the inflation and seasonality-adjusted Commerce Department report released Wednesday 30th October 2024.
This report verifies that the U.S. growth persists, notwithstanding high interest rates and persistent concerns that the surge of fiscal and monetary stimulus, which supported the economy during the Covid crisis, might not suffice to maintain growth.
The euro zone’s economy expanded by 0.4% in the third quarter, according to flash figures released by the European Union’s statistics office (Eurostat) on Wednesday 30th October 2024.
Economists had anticipated a growth of 0.2%, following a 0.3% increase in the second quarter.
Analysts predict that euro zone growth may pick up cautiously in the upcoming months, in light of lower interest rates and subsiding inflation.
The ECB pointed to sustained indications of sluggish activity in the euro area as a significant reason for the rate cut in October.
Markets have completely factored in another 0.25% reduction by the ECB for its final meeting of the year in December 2024.
Germany, the largest economy in the euro zone, reported an unexpected 0.2% growth in the third quarter, as per figures released on Wednesday 30th October 2024. This growth helped the country steer clear of the recession predicted by some economists.
Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur and CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has recently made headlines in the U.S. with his stark predictions about the potential economic fallout if Donald Trump wins the upcoming presidential election.
This is unusual, as you are more likely to hear these proposals in a crisis, when desperate times demand desperate measures, but not leading up to a presential election and especially not from an opposition vying to take control of the U.S. presidency.
Musk’s comments have sparked widespread debate and concern, as he foresees significant economic turmoil and a stock market crash in the event of a Trump victory.
Musk’s predictions are deep-rooted in his belief that Trump’s proposed economic policies, including drastic cuts to federal spending and mass deportations, will lead to severe short-term economic disruptions.
Musk emphasised the need to reduce government spending to live within the country’s means, even if it involves temporary hardship.
He reportedly argued that such measures are necessary for long-term prosperity but acknowledged that they would likely cause an initial severe overreaction in the economy
Comments Elon Musk made
Billionaire Musk, Trump’s would-be government budget-cutting and ‘efficiency’ adviser, also says there will be “no special cases” and “no exceptions” when he starts slashing federal spending after Trump takes office.
With just a week until the presidential election, Donald Trump’s ally and influential economic adviser Elon Musk is warning people to expect economic chaos, a crashing stock market and financial “hardship” – albeit only “temporary” – if Trump wins.
“We have to reduce spending to live within our means,” Musk said. “That necessarily involves some temporary hardship, but it will ensure long-term prosperity.”
Describing government spending as “a room full of targets,” Musk said: “Like, you can’t miss. Fire in any direction and you’re going to hit a target.”
He reportedly said, “I think once the election takes place we’ll immediately begin looking at where to take the most immediate action.”
And he reportedly added, “obviously a lot of people who are taking advantage of the government are going to be upset about that. I’ll probably need a lot of security.”
“Everyone,” he reportedly said, will be taking a “haircut.”
The Tesla CEO went further and agreed with a supporter who predicted “an initial severe overreaction in the economy” and that “Markets will tumble.”
“Sounds about right,” Musk replied.
Trump has already reportedly said he wants Musk to head up a commission of government efficiency. Trump says the billionaire tech entrepreneur would be his “Secretary of Budget-Cutting,” implying a possible Cabinet position.
Musk himself has described his new role as running a “Department of Government Efficiency,” though he admits the title is an inside joke – the acronym spells DOGE, the name of a cryptocurrency.
Musk speech highlights
One of the key points Musk highlighted is the potential impact of Trump’s policies on the stock market. He agreed with a social media post suggesting that the combination of mass deportations and significant government spending cuts would lead to a sharp decline in market values.
Musk’s agreement with this assessment has raised alarms among investors and economists, who fear that such a scenario could trigger a financial crisis.
Musk’s concerns are not without precedent. The stock market is highly sensitive to political and economic uncertainties, and drastic policy changes can lead to volatility and investor panic.
The prospect of mass deportations, in particular, could disrupt labour markets and consumer spending, further exacerbating economic instability. Additionally, significant cuts to federal spending could lead to job losses and reduced public services, compounding the economic challenges.
Unusual comments leading up to an election
Musk reportedly told supporters that the measures were needed because of the crisis of the skyrocketing federal debt.
This is not the usual picture when a politician and his campaign promise austerity, hardship, deep budget cuts, a likely economic “overreaction” and a slump in the stock market.
You usually hear these things proposed in a crisis, when desperate times supposedly demand desperate measures.
Are desperate times coming, maybe they are already here?
Optimism
Despite the grim outlook, Musk remains optimistic about the long-term benefits of these policies. He believes that once the initial shock subsides, the economy will recover and emerge stronger and more sustainable.
However, this perspective is not universally shared. Many economists argue that the risks associated with such drastic measures outweigh the potential benefits, and that a more balanced approach is needed to address the country’s economic challenges.
Musk’s predictions have also drawn criticism from those who view them as politically motivated. As a prominent supporter of Trump, Musk’s comments have been interpreted by some as an attempt to rally support for the former president’s economic agenda. Critics argue that Musk’s focus on austerity measures and government efficiency overlooks the broader social and economic implications of such policies.
Conclusion
Elon Musk’s predictions of economic hardship and a stock market crash if Trump wins the election have sparked significant debate and concern.
While Musk believes that these measures are necessary for long-term prosperity, the potential short-term disruptions and risks cannot be ignored. As the election approaches, investors and policymakers will be closely watching the developments and preparing for the potential economic fallout.
Whether Musk’s predictions come to pass remains to be seen, but his comments have undoubtedly added to the uncertainty and complexity of the current economic landscape and the never-ending ‘commentary surrounding the U.S. election.
As the autumn chill of November sets in, the market seems to defy the temperature drop with a notable heated uptick in activity.
This phenomenon, often referred to as the ‘November Effect’, is a period where investors start to position themselves for end-of-year strategies, leading to increased market volatility and opportunity.
Historically
Historically, November has been a month where markets tend to show positive returns. Several factors contribute to this trend. Firstly, the anticipation of the holiday season boosts consumer spending, leading to higher revenues for retail companies. This optimism often spills over into the stock market, driving up share prices.
Secondly, institutional investors begin to adjust their portfolios to lock in gains for the year, a process known as ‘window dressing’. This activity can lead to increased buying, particularly in stocks that have performed well throughout the year, further driving market momentum.
Additionally, the release of third-quarter earnings reports in October sets the stage for November. Companies that have posted strong earnings results often see continued investor interest, propelling their stocks higher. Conversely, companies with weaker results might face selloffs, adding to market dynamism.
Tech resilience
Tech stocks, in particular, have shown resilience and growth potential, even amidst economic uncertainties. With advancements in AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity, tech continues to be a focal point for investors. November often sees a renewed interest in these sectors, with investors looking to capitalise on year-end growth opportunities.
However, it’s essential to approach this period with a balanced perspective. While the ‘November Effect’ can present lucrative opportunities, it’s also a time of heightened market volatility. Investors should stay informed, diversify their portfolios, and consider both the potential rewards and risks.
As the weather gets colder, the markets heat up, creating a dynamic environment ripe with possibilities for those who navigate it wisely. The key lies in staying informed and alert, ready to adapt to the ever-changing market landscape.
Take informed financial advice from a professional qualified financial adviser.
Benjamin Disraeli was a British statesman, Conservative politician and writer who twice served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
One of the most resonant inspirational quotes on bullying, attributed to Benjamin Disraeli: “Courage is fire, and bullying is smoke.”
This quote succinctly captures the essential attitude for those confronting bullying, highlighting that real strength lies in courage, whereas bullying is merely a facade of power.
Putting it another way, this quote encapsulates an important mindset to remember for those who face bullying, which is that there is true strength in being courageous, while bullying is simply the illusion of strength.
Apple has returned to the top five smartphone vendors in China’s market during the third quarter, lifted by the release of the iPhone 16, according to data.
Apple’s shipment growth remained steady year-on-year in the Q2, securing the company a second-place rank by market share in Q3.
Following Apple, Huawei held the third position with a 15.3% market share, as per reported data. Despite this, Huawei’s smartphone shipments in China saw a significant increase of 42% year-on-year.
In September 2024, China’s industrial profits fell at the fastest rate since the pandemic of 2020 began, according to China’s National Bureau of Statistics
Following a 17.8% decrease in August 2024, profits in September 2024 plummeted by 27.1% from the previous year, reportedly the most significant drop since the 34.9% decline in March 2020, according to analysis.
In response, Chinese officials have intensified efforts to stimulate growth.
On Friday 25th October 2024, Russia’s central bank increased its key interest rate by 2% (200 basis points) to 21%, attributing the decision to consumer price increases significantly exceeding its projections and cautioning about persistent high inflation risks in the medium term
This rate hike surpasses the 1% (100 basis-point) rise anticipated by analysts and sets the bank’s benchmark rate at its highest level since February 2003, as reported by analysts.
Previously, the key rate had been raised by 1% (100 basis points) to 19% in September 2024.
It was reported that the annual seasonally adjusted inflation hit an average of 9.8% in September 2024, up from 7.5% in August 2024.
It is now anticipated the rate will stick at around the 8.0% – 8.5% range for the remainder of 2024. This is running above a July 2024 forecast of around 6.5% – 7.0%.
The Nasdaq Composite climbed to an all-time high on Friday 25th October 2024, boosted by BIG tech stocks.
The tech-heavy index rose 0.56% to 18,518.61
The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite index rose 0.56% to 18,518.61
Tech stocks boosted the market ahead of their upcoming earnings. Nvidia added 0.8%, and shares of Meta Platforms, Amazon and Microsoft were also higher.
Some analysts are suggesting it may be time to short Amazon and Apple as they head into earnings season? Let’s see.
Tesla helped boost the Nasdaq as its stock climbed to close at a 13-month high, sustaining its rally post-earnings.
Tesla enjoyed its best market day since 2013, the stock rose more than 3% on Friday 25th October 2024, closing at its highest since September 2023.
On Thursday 24th October 2024, Barclays Bank announced a net profit of £1.6 billion ($2 billion) for the third quarter, surpassing expectations
This figure exceeded the anticipated £1.17 billion net profit from analysts and marked a 23% increase from the same quarter in 2023.
The revenue for the quarter was reported at £6.5 billion, just over the predicted £6.39 billion.
Shares of Barclays rose by 3.5% as of 08:45 BST – hitting their highest point since October 2015 according to reports.
Barclays Bank One year share chart
Barclays Bank One year share chart
The bank’s return on tangible equity improved to 12.3% from the previous quarter’s 9.9%, while its CET1 ratio, a key solvency metric, increased to 13.8% from 13.6%.
Barclays had earlier this year unveiled a strategic revamp aimed at reducing expenses (cost cutting), enhancing returns for shareholders, and securing long-term financial stability.
This shift has emphasized domestic lending and scaled back the investment banking division’s costs. Part of this new strategy involved acquiring the retail banking operations of Tesco Bank in the UK.
Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1)?
Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) is a key element of Tier 1 capital, consisting mainly of common stock held by banks or other financial institutions. Introduced in 2014, CET1 serves as a capital measure designed to safeguard the economy from financial crises. Banks must adhere to the minimum CET1 ratio requirements relative to their risk-weighted assets (RWAs), as specified by their financial regulators.
History lesson
Barclays Bank was formally established on November 17, 1690. It traces back to goldsmith bankers John Freame and Thomas Gould in London.
The name ‘Barclays’ came into the business in 1736 when James Barclay, who married John Freame’s daughter, joined the partnership.
As of September 2024, the UK’s national debt stands at £2,685.6 billion, which is approximately 100% of the country’s GDP. This is the highest level of public sector debt since 1961.
UK debt and its borrowing
As of 2024, the United Kingdom’s national debt has reached a staggering £2,685.6 billion, an amount equivalent to the nation’s GDP. This surge in debt, driven by persistent borrowing, has sparked significant economic and political debate.
Historical context
The UK’s debt levels have fluctuated over time, influenced by wars, recessions, and policy decisions. However, the current debt level marks a significant peak not seen since the early 1960s.
The Financial Crisis of 2008 saw the debt-to-GDP ratio rise sharply as the government borrowed heavily to stabilize the banking sector and stimulate the economy. More recently, the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated extensive government borrowing to fund health services, furlough schemes, and business support measures, exacerbating the debt situation.
Government borrowing
Government borrowing, or public sector net borrowing, is the amount by which government expenditures exceed its revenues. This borrowing is essential for funding various public services, infrastructure projects, and welfare programs.
While borrowing can be a tool for stimulating economic growth, especially during downturns, it also raises concerns about fiscal sustainability and the burden on future generations.
Economic Implications
High levels of national debt can have profound economic implications. On the one hand, government spending can stimulate economic activity, create jobs, and drive growth. However, excessive borrowing can lead to increased interest payments, diverting resources from essential services like healthcare and education.
Additionally, high debt levels can reduce investor confidence, potentially leading to higher borrowing costs for the government and businesses.
Debt management strategies
The UK government employs various strategies to manage its debt. These include issuing government bonds to investors, which provide a relatively low-cost means of borrowing. The Bank of England also plays a crucial role, particularly through its monetary policies, such as setting interest rates and implementing quantitative easing programs.
The government’s fiscal policy, which includes tax and spending measures, is another key component in managing the debt.
The future
Looking ahead, the UK’s debt trajectory will depend on several factors, including economic growth rates, government policy decisions, and global economic conditions.
While reducing the debt burden is a priority, balancing fiscal responsibility with the need for economic stimulus remains a delicate act. Policymakers must navigate this complex landscape to ensure long-term economic stability and prosperity for future generations.
UK debt in direct relation to UK GDP from 1980 – 2024
Since the 1950s, UK debt has gone through several cycles. Post-World War II, debt was high due to reconstruction efforts.
The 1980s saw a decline in debt, thanks to privatisation and reduced public spending. However, the 2008 financial crisis caused a sharp increase, followed by more borrowing during the COVID-19 pandemic, reaching 100% of GDP in 2024.
UK public sector borrowing
Public sector debt as a proportion of GDP
How does the UK government borrow money?
The government raises funds by issuing financial instruments known as bonds. A bond represents a commitment to repay borrowed money in the future, typically with periodic interest payments until maturity.
UK government bonds, or ‘gilts’ are generally regarded as secure investments, carrying minimal risk of non-repayment. Institutions both within the UK and internationally, including pension funds, investment funds, banks, and insurance companies, are the primary purchasers of gilts.
Additionally, the Bank of England has purchased substantial amounts of government bonds in the past as an economic stimulus measure through a mechanism known as ‘quantitative easing’.
How much is the UK government borrowing?
The government’s borrowing fluctuates monthly. For example, in January, when tax returns are filed, there’s typically a surge in revenue as many pay a significant portion of their taxes at once. Therefore, it’s more informative to consider annual or year-to-date figures.
In the financial year ending March 2024, the government borrowed £121.9 billion. The latest data for September 2024 indicates borrowing at £16.6 billion, up by £2.1 billion compared to September 2023.
The national debt refers to the total amount owed by the government, which stands at approximately £2.8 trillion. This figure is comparable to the gross domestic product (GDP) of the UK, which is the total value of goods and services produced in the country annually.
The current debt level has more than doubled since the period from the 1980s up to the 2008 financial crisis. Factors such as the financial crash and the Covid pandemic have escalated the UK’s debt from its historical lows to where it is now.
However, when considering the economy’s size, the UK’s debt is relatively low compared to much of the previous century and to that of other major economies.
How much money does the UK government pay in interest?
As the national debt increases, so does the interest that the government must pay. This additional cost was manageable when interest rates were low throughout the 2010s, but it became more burdensome after the Bank of England increased interest rates.
The government’s interest payments on the national debt are variable and reached a 20-year peak in early October 2023. Approximately a quarter of the UK’s debt is tied to inflation, meaning that payments increase with rising inflation.
This situation led to a significant rise in the cost of debt service, though these payments have begun to decrease. If the government allocates more funds to debt repayment, it could result in reduced spending on public services, which were the original reason for the borrowing.
In conclusion, while the UK’s debt and borrowing levels present challenges, strategic management and informed policy decisions will be crucial in navigating the path forward.
The UK debt total vs GDP is now as of 2024 all but 100%
Tesla shares climbed 12% in extended trading after the company’s third-quarter earnings beat Wall Street estimates, following a long slump.
However, Tesla’s revenue for that period, up 8% year on year, marginally missed expectations. “Vehicle growth” will hit up to 20%-30% next year, said CEO Elon Musk, thanks to “lower cost vehicles” and the “advent of autonomy.” Apparently, this was presented as a ‘best guess’.
Profit margins reportedly received a boost from $739 million in automotive regulatory credit revenue during the quarter. Automakers must acquire a certain number of regulatory credits annually. Those unable to meet the requirement can buy credits from companies like Tesla, which has a surplus due to its exclusive production of electric vehicles.
Automotive revenue reportedly rose 2% to $20 billion, up from $19.63 billion in the same quarter the previous year, and has remained roughly stable since late 2022. Energy generation and storage revenue reportedly surged 52% to $2.38 billion, while services and other revenue, which includes income from non-warranty Tesla vehicle repairs, increased by 29% to $2.79 billion.
Tesla quarterly revenues by business section
Tesla quarterly revenues by business section
Tesla share price and close and ‘after hours’ trading 23rd October 2024 (09:15 BST)
Tesla share price and close and ‘after hours’ trading 23rd October 2024 (09:15 BST)
On Wednesday 23rd October 2024, the U.S. 10-year Treasury yield climbed again as traders considered recent remarks from Federal Reserve officials regarding the direction of interest rate reductions
The U.S. 10-year Treasury yield increased by over 0.030% to approximately 4.24%. The benchmark rate peaked at 4.26% during the session, its highest since July 2024. This surge followed a 12-basis point leap on Monday 21st and a rise above 4.2% on Tuesday 22nd.
The U.S. 2-year Treasury yield also rose, reaching 4.06%, up by roughly 0.030%. Earlier in the day, it achieved a high of 4.072%.
Yields and equity prices have an inverse relationship. A single basis point is equivalent to 0.01%
Elevated Treasury yields are exerting pressure on the equity market, causing U.S. stock futures to drop. This downturn follows the S&P 500‘s first consecutive loss since the beginning of September.
Despite a half-point reduction by the Federal Reserve in September 2024, strong economic indicators and concerns about the deficit have contributed to the increase in the 10-year Treasury yield.
Traders are worried that the central bank might be reluctant to lower rates further, even though the Fed predicted additional cuts amounting to half a point by the end of the year.
The Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism and has been a prominent advocate for peace and compassion worldwide
The current Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, was born in 1935 and recognised as the 14th Dalai Lama at the age of two. He has written extensively on topics such as ethics, mindfulness, and the importance of kindness.
He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 for his nonviolent struggle for the liberation of Tibet and his efforts to resolve conflicts through peaceful means. His teachings often emphasise the importance of cultivating inner peace and compassion to create a better world.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has issued a warning about the potential decline of China’s property market while reducing its growth forecast for the world’s second-largest economy.
In a report published Tuesday, The IMF has reduced its growth forecast for China this year to 4.8%, which is 0.2 percentage points below its July projection. For 2025, the IMF reportedly anticipates growth to be at 4.5%.
The IMF has pointed out that the unexpected contraction of China’s property sector is among several factors posing risks to the global economic outlook.
‘The real estate market could face worsening conditions, potentially leading to further price declines amid a drop in sales and investment’, the report indicated.
The report referenced past property crises in countries such as Japan in the 1990s and the U.S. in 2008, suggesting that if China’s situation is not managed, property prices may fall even more.
According to the IMF‘s World Economic Outlook, this could undermine consumer confidence, leading to lower household spending and domestic demand.
Norway‘s massive world record breaking sovereign wealth fund reported a third-quarter profit of 835 billion Norwegian kroner ($76.3 billion) on Tuesday 22nd October 2024.
The fund’s performance was attributed to a stock market surge due to the decline interest rates.
The overall return for the quarter stood at 4.4%, which was 0.1 percentage points below the return of its benchmark index.
MD Kristalina Georgieva praised the efforts of major central banks in controlling inflation but pointed out that such successes were not widespread.
Additionally, Georgieva cautioned that international trade is no longer the growth catalyst it used to be, emphasizing the increase in restrictive policies across numerous economies.
“It is successful major economies that have done really well … and there are pockets in the world where inflation is still a problem,” she reportedly said.
“The impact of higher prices remains, and it is making many people in many countries feel worse off and angry.”
In October 2024, the asking prices for UK homes increased only slightly as the market saw an influx of properties, a survey reportedly revealed on Monday 21st October 2024
This report also indicated that some buyers were holding off on purchases, awaiting details on tax revisions from the new government’s forthcoming budget.
The increase in asking prices was a just 0.3% for October 2024, significantly lower than the typical 1.3% monthly rise for this time of year, according to property website Rightmove.
There was a 12% rise in the number of homes listed for sale compared to the same period last year, marking the highest number per estate agent since 2014.
Despite the increase in supply, the property market’s overall activity remained robust, with a continued uptick in buyer demand. Year-on-year, prices saw a 1.0% increase.
China on Monday 21st October 2024 lowered its main benchmark lending rates by 0.25%
The People’s Bank of China (PBOC) has announced a reduction in the one-year loan prime rate (LPR) to 3.1% and the five-year LPR to 3.6%.
The one-year LPR affects corporate and most household loans in China, whereas the five-year LPR is a reference for mortgage rates.
This adjustment was anticipated. The governor of China’s central bank reportedly on Friday 18th October 2024 hinted at a forum in Beijing that the loan prime benchmark rates would decrease by 0.20% to 0.25%.
Gold continues on its path to new highs touching $2740 on 21st October 2024
In 2024, gold experienced a surge of over 35%, reaching new record highs.
This increase was propelled by the anticipation of additional Federal Reserve rate reductions following a half-percentage-point cut in September 2024, coupled with persistent geopolitical uncertainties stretching from Europe to the Middle East.
Delegates at the London Bullion Market Association‘s annual meeting earlier this week predicted that gold prices could reach $2,941 per troy ounce in the next 12 months.
As investors continue to seek out a safe haven for their money, the price of gold will remain elevated.
Gold price one year chart – price snapshot as of: 21st October 2024 (08:52 BST)
Gold price one year chart – price snapshot as of: 21st October 2024 (08:52 BST)
Gold, which yields no interest in its own right, tends to gain in value when interest rates are cut and when geopolitical tensions heat up.
China’s National Bureau of Statistics announced on Friday that the GDP growth for the third quarter was 4.6% year-on-year, marginally above the 4.5% forecasted by economists. But slightly lower than the second quarter’s year-on-year growth of 4.7%.
In terms of quarterly growth, the third quarter experienced a 0.9% increase, which is higher than the 0.7% seen in the previous quarter.
Additional data released on Friday 18th October 2024, including retail sales and industrial production, also exceeded expectations, indicating a positive outlook for the world’s second-largest economy.
On Thursday 17th October 2024, the ECB announced its third interest rate reduction of 2024, as inflation risks within the European Union diminished more rapidly than anticipated.
At its October meeting, the central bank decreased the deposit rate by 0.25%. This decision followed a slowdown in the euro area’s price increases to 1.8% in September 2024, falling below the central bank’s target of 2%.
Amazon Web Services (AWS) has announced the signing of an agreement with Dominion Energy, the utility company of Virginia U.S., to explore the development of a small modular nuclear reactor near Dominion’s existing North Anna nuclear power station.
As Amazon’s cloud computing subsidiary, AWS has an ever-growing demand for clean energy, particularly as it expands into generative AI. This agreement aligns with Amazon’s journey towards net-zero carbon emissions.
Amazon joins other major tech companies like Google and Microsoft in turning to nuclear power to meet the increasing energy needs of data centres.
Hatshepsut, the longest-reigning Egyptian female pharaoh, ruled for 20 years in the 15th century BC. “I have raised up what was in ruins. I have restored that which was destroyed,” declared Hatshepsut.
The quote regarding Hatshepsut’s appointment comes from inscriptions and was designed to legitimise her rule, often illustrating the divine will of the Gods or proclamations from her father, Thutmose I.
Hatshepsut was adept at presenting her reign within the context of divine support and royal succession. “This daughter of mine, Hatshepsut… I have named her successor to my throne… She shall guide you… Heed her words and gather under her command.”
Mini history lesson
Hatshepsut, one of the most successful pharaohs of Egypt, ruled during the 18th Dynasty from approximately 1479 to 1458 BCE.
Her tenure is noted not just for its duration but also for the prosperity and tranquility she established in Egypt. As a rare female pharaoh, Hatshepsut had to affirm her power in a patriarchal society. She frequently portrayed herself with pharaonic symbols of authority, like the false beard and headdress, to reinforce her legitimacy. “I have raised up what was in ruins. I have restored that which was destroyed,” she declared, underscoring her role in reviving Egypt’s splendour.
During her rule, Hatshepsut initiated grand construction projects, leaving a heritage of remarkable monuments and temples. Her most famous accomplishment is the mortuary temple at Deir El-Bahari, an architectural wonder that stands as a testament to her foresight and governance. Hatshepsut also rejuvenated Egypt’s economy by developing extensive trade networks. Her notable expedition to Punt, a region thought to be resource-rich, yielded precious items like myrrh, frankincense, and exotic wildlife.
This voyage was eternally captured in the reliefs of her temple, showcasing her achievements and contributions to Egypt’s affluence. In her inscriptions, Hatshepsut stated, “My authority was asserted in this land and to its farthest reaches… My gaze was southward, I explored the edges of the mountains, all my eyes wished to see was accomplished.”
This statement mirrors her broad vision and ambition to expand Egypt’s reach. Despite her accomplishments, Hatshepsut’s memory faced attempts at erasure after her demise. However, contemporary archaeology has revealed her significant influence.
Today, Hatshepsut is celebrated as an innovative ruler whose reign made a lasting impression on ancient Egyptian history.
