In the context of a nearly 30 percent drop in share price, these results are all the more important because they have the potential to resume the growth trend and therefore provide investors with an opportunity to buy at a more favorable valuation.

Mercedes-Benz's recent financial results show that last year it faced the harsh reality of a slowing transition to electric vehicles and declining demand in China, once an inexhaustible source of profits for German carmakers. Its difficulties reflect a difficult period during which European carmakers have had to cope with a sharp drop in sales, particularly in the electric car segment. However, the first sales data this year suggest an improvement, which could be the first sign of a market recovery.

Coca-Cola, the global leader in soft drinks, best known for its Coca-Cola brand, has released its fourth quarter 2024 financial results, which not only exceeded Wall Street's expectations but also confirmed steady growth in demand for the company's products despite challenging macroeconomic conditions.

The price of the yellow metal jumped 27% last year, and at the end of October, when it set a new record of just under $2,800 per troy ounce, it had risen as much as 35% since the beginning of January. Now an ounce is even worth around $2 900. The continuing gold rally reflects strong demand, which rose by one per cent last year to a record 4,974.5 tonnes. Interest in investment gold jumped, demand for the metal for technological uses was also strong and central banks continued their massive purchases, according to data from the World Gold Council.

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)