Breaking news

European Markets Tread Cautiously Following DeepSeek’s Shock To Global Tech

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

January 28, 2025

European stocks showed signs of recovery on Tuesday after the worldwide sell-off triggered by China’s DeepSeek, which unveiled an AI model built at a fraction of the cost of its American counterparts. The announcement sparked widespread concerns over the future profitability of the Artificial Intelligence sector, as well as the increasing reliance on pricey chips.

The Stoxx 600 index rose by 0.17%, buoyed by technology stocks, with Sartorius leading the charge. The biopharmaceutical company surged nearly 16%, thanks to a preliminary 2024 profit report that exceeded expectations and a “modestly positive” outlook for 2025.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

Among the regional indices, Germany’s DAX inched up 0.23% to 21,331 points, while the UK’s FTSE 100 made a more modest gain of 0.21%, reaching 8,521 points. On the flip side, France’s CAC 40 dropped by 0.30% to 7,883 points.

Peripheral markets showed mild optimism, with Italy’s FTSE MIB edging up by 0.21%, and Spain’s IBEX 35 moving up just 0.09%.

After Monday’s heavy losses, the STOXX Europe 600 Technology sector, which had fallen 3.3% due to setbacks from Dutch chipmaker ASML (-7%) and ASM International (-12%), found some stability, rebounding into positive territory by Tuesday.

Alten saw its stock jump 7.8% following its annual report, while Siemens Energy climbed 3.4% on news that it had exceeded revenue expectations for the first quarter, buoyed by strong demand for offshore wind turbines.

Results from SAP, Foxtons Group, and Logitech are expected later on Tuesday, adding more potential momentum to the market.

Across the Atlantic, the U.S. market also took a hit. The Nasdaq and S&P 500 saw sharp declines, as DeepSeek’s model caused ripples across tech stocks. However, the Dow Jones industrial average managed to reverse its losses, closing at its highest point of the day, fueled by rallies in Johnson & Johnson and Salesforce.

Nvidia, the chip giant at the heart of the tech sector, experienced a staggering $597 billion market capitalization loss on Monday—an unprecedented single-day wipeout in U.S. history. Its stock plummeted 17%, closing at $118.58, marking its worst trading day since March 16, 2020, during the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

FinTech’s Dominance In MENA: Three Strategic Drivers Behind Unyielding VC Success

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 11, 2025

Despite facing tightening global liquidity and macroeconomic headwinds, the FinTech sector continues to assert its leadership in the MENA region. In the first half of 2025, FinTech emerged as the most resilient and appealing arena for venture capital investments, proving its worth as a catalyst for financial innovation and inclusion.

Addressing Structural Financial Gaps

In many parts of MENA, a significant proportion of the population remains underbanked and underserved by traditional financial institutions. FinTech companies are uniquely positioned to address these persistent challenges by bridging critical access gaps and driving financial inclusion. With the proliferation of payment apps, digital wallets, and micro-lending platforms, investors have witnessed firsthand how these solutions pave the way for scalable growth and eventual exits. Early-stage momentum in the region is underscored by a doubling of pre-seed deals year-over-year, reinforcing the sector’s capacity for rapid innovation and sustainable expansion.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

Highly Scalable and Replicable Business Models

One of the key factors behind FinTech’s dominance is the inherent scalability of its business models. Once the necessary infrastructure and regulatory approvals are in place, these models have demonstrated robust performance across borders. The first half of 2025 saw a marked acceleration in deal activity, with payment solutions leading the charge with 28 deals in MENA—a significant increase over the previous year. Lending platforms, in particular, experienced a meteoric 500% year-over-year increase in funding, emerging as the fastest-growing subindustry. Such replicability makes FinTech an attractive proposition for investors seeking high-growth opportunities in diverse markets.

Supportive Regulatory And Government Backing

The strategic support offered by key government initiatives in the UAE and Saudi Arabia has been instrumental in propelling the FinTech sector forward. Progressive frameworks, such as the UAE’s open finance and digital asset directives, coupled with Saudi Arabia’s live-testing sandboxes, have materially lowered entry barriers for startups. These measures not only foster innovation but also streamline the path to commercialization. Consequently, the combined efforts of these regulatory bodies have enabled the UAE and Saudi Arabia to account for 86% of MENA’s total FinTech funding in H1 2025.

The resilience of FinTech in MENA is not merely a reflection of contemporary market trends—it signals a fundamental shift in the region’s economic fabric. With an unwavering commitment to addressing real financial challenges, scalable and replicable business practices, and robust regulatory support, FinTech is setting the benchmark for sustainable innovation. As capital markets become increasingly discerning, this sector stands out as a beacon of long-term growth and transformative impact.