Football in Italy is a crucial economic sector, contributing 3% of GDP with revenues of €78 billion in 2022. It generates revenue through TV rights, sponsorship, merchandising and betting, creating 112,000 jobs and paying 1.2 billion in taxes. TV rights are worth 900 million annually, while betting generates 10 billion.

Mars acquires Pringles producer Kellanova for $36 billion. The deal, the largest in the packaged food industry, expands Mars' portfolio with iconic snacks such as Pringles and Pop-Tarts. The acquisition reflects Mars' strategy of expanding to address inflation and changes in consumer preferences.

The Olympics are having a significant impact on property prices in Paris and Milan. In Paris, during the 2024 Games, prices have risen by 7-10% in areas close to the Olympic projects. In Milan, in preparation for the 2026 Winter Olympics, prices have already risen by 5-8%, with forecasts for further growth of up to 15%. These events represent opportunities for investors, but also challenges for local residents, with possible risks of gentrification and rising living costs.
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Golden Goose, the Italian luxury brand founded in 2000 in Venice, is revolutionising the trainer world with its characteristic lived-in look. Born from the founders' passion for research, travel and art, the brand combines Italian sartorial tradition and innovation. The ‘distressed’ trainers have become a style icon, worn by celebrities such as Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez. With flagship stores in key cities such as New York and Paris, Golden Goose has reached an international clientele and recorded revenues of €587 million in 2023.

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Sovereign wealth funds, managed by government agencies, are powerful financial instruments that invest a country's excess resources in financial markets to ensure long-term economic stability. Originally created to manage wealth from the export of natural resources, they now control over USD 12.8 trillion in diversified assets. Among the best known funds are Norway's Government Pension Fund Global and the China Investment Corporation.

Chiara Ferragni faces a significant crisis with the closure of the Milan flagship store in August, after the ‘Pandoro Gate’ scandal and the termination of contracts with companies such as Pigna, Safilo and Pantene. The resignation of Fabio Maria Damato, general manager, further highlights the crisis. Ferragni handed over operational delegations to her mother, Marina Di Guardo, in order to stabilise the management of the company. Despite the difficulties, the brand retains a strong following and potential.

In the first half of 2024, Stellantis' production in Italy declined by 25.2 per cent, with 303,510 vehicles produced. Cars decreased by 36%, while commercial vehicles increased by 2%. Pomigliano saw an increase of 3.5%, but Melfi and Mirafiori suffered declines of 57.6% and 63% respectively.

Italy, eliminated from the 2024 European Championships, could have benefited economically from a victory. The FIGC estimates that a triumph would have increased the GDP by 0.7 per cent, or around EUR 12 billion. The victory would have increased domestic consumption, improved consumer confidence, stimulated sporting activity and improved the international perception of the country, with positive effects on exports and tourism. The expected economic growth would have affected several sectors, bringing widespread benefits to the Italian economy.

Despite the economic difficulties of 2023, the managed real estate sector grew by 5% globally, with assets of EUR 4,650 billion. In Italy, the NAV increased by 5.3%. Scenari Immobiliari's 2024 Report predicts further growth in 2024, with a more stable and robust real estate market.

The European Football Championship is an event of great economic and social significance for the host countries. These tournaments bring significant investments in infrastructure, such as the renovation of stadiums and the modernisation of transport, with lasting benefits for the local economy. EURO 2016 in France generated a turnover of EUR 1.9 billion, while EURO 2020 closed with almost EUR 1.8 billion, despite the pandemic.

WeWork, the coworking giant, is undergoing debt restructuring under Chapter 11 protection in the US, with a plan that also involves Italy. The company declared bankruptcy in November and embarked on a financial and operational restructuring that included a $450 million capital injection. In Italy, WeWork reduced its locations in Milan, but saw a 9% increase in occupancy in the remaining locations. Globally, the reorganisation led to significant savings on rents and a reduction in financial commitments. Under the new agreement, the senior creditors will receive control of WeWork in return for a significant investment.

the European Central Bank could cut interest rates by 25 basis points, a much-anticipated event that could significantly affect the housing market. Francesca Zirnstein already sees benefits in the banking sector and anticipates growth in the real estate market due to more affordable credit conditions. Emiliano di Bartolo, while confirming these expectations, remains cautious due to possible impacts from international geopolitical and political situations. Both experts foresee a potential revival of the real estate market, conditioned, however, by the evolving global macroeconomic environment.

By 2030, London expects to reach ten million inhabitants, and in response to this population growth and limited space availability, the city is growing in height with the planned addition of 583 new skyscrapers over the next ten years. This vertical development is part of a broader urban strategy to optimise space and respond to growing residential and commercial demand. Despite the approval of the urban plans by various mayors, a mixed reaction emerges from the citizenry: while some see the benefits of this expansion, others are overwhelmed by the rapidly changing urban landscape. The challenge for London will be to balance growth and sustainability to effectively navigate the complex landscape of demographic and economic pressures.

In September 2023, Stellantis launched Leapmotor electric car sales in Italy and Europe, with the aim of capitalising on the growing interest in electric vehicles. The partnership saw Stellantis acquire 20 per cent of Leapmotor, forming the joint venture Leapmotor International. The models introduced include the C10 SUV and the compact T03, both aimed at an urban audience and competitive in the electric vehicle market. This strategic move is part of Stellantis' “Dare Forward 2030” initiative to strengthen its position in the global electric vehicle sector.

In 2023, Gazprom, the Russian energy giant, suffered its first financial loss in almost a quarter of a century, recording a liability of 629 billion roubles, approximately 6.5 billion euro. This historic event was mainly caused by the repercussions of the war in Ukraine, which led to international sanctions and a reduction in gas exports to Europe. The European Union, which remains partly dependent on Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG), is considering new restrictions in the Russian energy sector. Despite some existing restrictions, Europe increased its imports of Russian LNG, particularly through Belgium, France and Spain. Gazprom's losses reflect the complex dynamics between Russia's domestic energy management and geopolitical relations with Europe, highlighting persistent challenges in energy and politics.

In Q1 2024, Apple recorded a significant drop in iPhone sales, down 9.6 per cent year-on-year, selling 50.1 million units compared to 55.4 million in Q1 2023. This drop allowed Samsung to regain the top spot among smartphone manufacturers. Apple's decline is attributed to intense competition, especially from Huawei, and geopolitical tensions between the US and China. Despite overall smartphone market growth of 7.8 per cent, Apple's market share dropped significantly. These events suggest that Apple will have to review its market and product strategies to maintain its competitiveness, especially in key markets such as China.

JBrown is an international real estate company based in London, known for its comprehensive approach to real estate, encompassing everything from market research to property sales. In cooperation with FGN Consulting, JBrown is expanding its influence, especially in the Italian market, by exploiting FGN's expertise in marketing and strategic consulting. This partnership allows JBrown to optimise the acquisition of both private and institutional clients, consolidating its presence both in the UK and internationally. The importance and effectiveness of this collaboration was also recognised in an article in Forbes, which highlights how JBrown and FGN are setting new standards in the real estate industry.

The article illustrates the collaboration between Lagoon Capital, a London-based financial research firm, and FGN Consulting, focused on business development and the acquisition of new institutional clients in Europe and the UK. Lagoon specialises in technical and fundamental analysis of global markets, offering its clients investment strategies that maximise profits while minimising risks. The article highlights how, through their partnership, Lagoon is able to focus on its core competencies while FGN facilitates market growth through targeted marketing strategies and operational support.

The 2024 edition of the Milan Design Week marked an impressive milestone with a record 360,000 visitors at the Salone del Mobile and 1125 events at the Fuorisalone, confirming its position as the world's leading design and furniture event. The event generated a significant economic impact, estimated at over 260 million Euro, with a significant increase in international visitors and online attendance. The Fuorisalone transformed Milan into an epicentre of creativity and innovation, with events exploring new perspectives on domestic living and promoting the synergy between design, fashion and art.

The 2023 edition of the Fuorisalone marked a turning point for Milan, attracting 400,000 visitors and setting records for online participation with over 900 events. FGN Consulting announces its presence at the 2024 DESIGN SOCIETY event, demonstrating its commitment to promoting innovation in design and marketing.

Reddit is set to go public in 2024 with an expected valuation of USD 5 billion. With 73 million daily users and $804 million in revenue by 2023, Reddit's IPO promises to be the largest in the social media industry since the launch of Snapchat. The company, which intends to turn its users into shareholders, explores new frontiers such as artificial intelligence, including a collaboration with Google

In 2023, Adidas recorded a loss of EUR 58 million, marking the first year in the red in more than three decades. This result was influenced by a drop in demand for sportswear in the US and the end of the collaboration with Kanye West, which had a significant impact on sales and costs

The European Union has fined Apple EUR 1.8 billion following a complaint by Spotify, which accused the company of abusing its dominant position through the App Store to restrict competition in the music streaming sector. The sanction reflects the EU's commitment to promoting fair competition and transparency in digital markets, with potential long-term implications for the global technology industry. Apple announced its intention to appeal, emphasising the lack of evidence of consumer harm and defending its role in the app ecosystem.

Swisscom is finalising an EUR 8 billion deal to acquire Vodafone Italia, with the intention of merging it with its Italian subsidiary Fastweb. This strategic move aims to create a powerful player in the Italian telecommunications market, combining the mobile and fixed infrastructures of both companies to increase value and cash flow for Swisscom, while maintaining a corporate rating of at least 'A'.

Two years into the Russian-Ukrainian war, its global economic repercussions include disruptions in supply chains, an energy crisis in Europe, inflation and impacts on the agricultural sector. This caused a geopolitical and economic realignment and complicated the post-pandemic economic recovery, with the future still uncertain.

Revolut, one of the UK's leading fintechs, is expanding its reach by introducing 'Revolut Connect', a mobile phone service that marks its entry into the world of telecommunications. This initiative, together with its banking, insurance and travel booking services, brings Revolut closer to the vision of a super app. With a valuation in excess of USD 33 billion in 2022, Revolut demonstrates an unwavering commitment to innovation and to offering its users an integrated solution for their financial and travel needs, aiming for a future of further growth and expansion.

The World Economic Forum's Global Risks Report 2024 highlights the close correlation between global risks such as climate change, technological advancement, and social polarisation, and their impact on the economy and financial markets.

The Sanremo Festival 2024 proves to be not only a cultural event of great appeal but also a significant economic driver, with an impact that goes far beyond the Ariston stage. With more than 400 employees and an attendance of 180,000 people, the festival generated an estimated €56 million in advertising revenue for Rai, marking an increase over previous years. The event stimulated the local economy through tourism and hospitality, with hotels selling out and accommodation prices rising. The artists and presenters involved in the festival enjoy unparalleled visibility, with significant estimated fees reflecting the importance and prestige of the event. Audience interest remains very high, with a large audience following the Festival across different platforms. In summary, Sanremo proves to be an event of great economic and cultural value for Italy.