Economy

Saab’s Sales
Saab in Portuguese agreement – ​​could pave the way for Gripen sales

Saab has signed an agreement with the Portuguese company Vangest—which operates in sectors including aerospace—reports the Portuguese news agency Lusa.

The two companies are entering into a long-term partnership, under which eight complex components for the JAS Gripen will be manufactured at a factory north of Lisbon.

This announcement comes as Portugal is currently considering replacing its American-made F-16 fighter jets. Airbus has expressed interest in selling its Eurofighter combat aircraft to the country. Portugal’s Minister of Defence has stated that he intends to solicit bids from several companies. 

Volkswagen’s Crisis
Volkswagen’s glimmer of hope: Significantly higher electric vehicle sales in China

Crisis-hit Volkswagen sees a bright spot in China. Sales of electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids more than tripled in October compared to the same month last year.

The automaker expects this trend to continue over the coming months.

Looking at the Volkswagen Group as a whole—which includes brands such as Audi and Porsche—sales in China have fared much worse. The number of vehicles sold during the first nine months of this year fell by 30 percent compared to the same period in 2025.
Middle East Crisis • War with Iran
Analysts: Major risks persist in the oil market

Recently, oil prices have seen a sharp decline, albeit from high levels. However, the situation remains uncertain, writes oil analyst Ole Hvalbye at ABG Sundal Collier, according to EFN.

The diplomatic situation between the US and Iran had appeared to improve, but an Iranian official denied overnight that any talks are taking place, according to Hvalbye. He notes that “uncertainty and upside potential” still persist.

On Wednesday, an oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz caught fire, according to reports from Iran. 

EU Budget
New proposal expected in ten days in the battle over the EU budget

A new compromise proposal regarding the EU’s long-term budget is expected in ten days, reports TT.

The proposal—referred to in EU jargon as “the box”—is currently being drafted by European Council President António Costa ahead of an extraordinary summit on November 26–27.

“We expect to be able to present the new negotiating ‘box’ on November 21,” a high-ranking EU source stated during a press briefing in Brussels, according to TT.

So far, member states have remained far apart regarding the size of the budget for 2028–2034—and Sweden is among those opposed to any increase. Among others, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (Moderate Party) has stated that Sweden should not serve as an “ATM for the EU.” 

The Climate Threat  COP31
World leaders: Global warming is a matter of personal finances

World leaders at the COP31 climate summit in Turkey are testing a new pitch to get more people to care about global warming. Don’t just do it for the sake of the climate—do it for the sake of your own personal finances, too; that is the new message, according to Reuters.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres spoke about the world’s dependence on oil and how it drives up the prices of everything from fuel to food.

“Recent conflicts clearly show that this is a recipe for chronic instability and soaring costs of living,” he says.

John Kerry, who served as U.S. Secretary of State during the Obama administration, echoes this sentiment.

“Everyone working on climate issues needs to change the way they talk about it.”

Demonstrations in France: Insurance terms tighten following riots in Europe

Insurance companies are working to limit their exposure to losses linked to riots in European cities, reports Bloomberg.

The industry has begun raising deductibles and capping payout amounts. In some high-risk areas, insurers are refusing to provide coverage altogether, Marcos Alvarez of Morningstar DBRS told the news agency.

The issue has gained prominence in recent weeks, driven by protests in countries including France. Within the industry, the damage resulting from these protests is now being compared to the destruction caused by natural disasters.

The debate over Palantir: Local officials weigh in on Karp’s forest purchase—"Skiing"

Alex Karp, founder and CEO of the American software company Palantir, has purchased 15,000 hectares of forest land in Härjedalen for 235 million kronor. There has been intense speculation regarding what he intends to do with the property. Berg Municipality, where the forest area is located, has now held a meeting with the company Cladonia Skog—the entity Alex Karp used to purchase the forest—local media report.

Municipal Chief Executive Anders Wennerberg stated that while the meeting was productive, no major announcements were made.

"There are no grand plans—certainly nothing regarding data centers or mineral extraction. On the contrary, there is a commitment to preserving the existing forest and, if possible, enhancing