(Bloomberg) — European Union bonds could pose a threat to Dutch bonds if they are reclassified as sovereign securities by index providers, said the head of the nation’s treasury agency.

The government would prefer it if EU bonds continue to be treated as supranational debt, Saskia van Dun, head of the Dutch State Treasury Agency, said in an interview with Bloomberg, thereby avoiding any competition with bonds sold by member states.

The EU has been advocating for its bonds to be treated as government debt so that it can access a wider pool of investors. Officials have said that would help lower borrowing costs, which remain higher than the Netherlands’ despite having the same credit rating.

“I know that the Dutch government is not in…

The award-winning International Boatbuilding Training College (IBTC) has been based on the edge of The Broads since 1975.

Ideally situated on Sea Lake Road, Oulton Broad in Lowestoft, IBTC has ensured that traditional boatbuilding skills have been preserved for almost 50 years.

But it has been announced the college is to close on Friday, December 20 with the company being placed into liquidation.

It will mean 11 staff will be made redundant and its assets will be sold off in the new year.

Back in 2021, Rob Harbord with handmade oars that were demonstrated at the International Boatbuilding Training College open weekend. Image: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Set against the backdrop of the area’s rich maritime…

For all of us involved in frontline support for people experiencing problem debt, it’s perhaps inevitable that we tend to focus on the most immediate priority of helping people to stabilise their most pressing difficulties. But it’s also important to recognise both the need and the aspiration of many people in debt and on low incomes to build up financial resilience for the future, including through savings.

At first glance, the idea of building up savings while being on a low income and also dealing with debt may seem impossible. Yet within the Standard Financial Statement guidelines that advisers use to determine an affordable budget for the resolution of debts, it’s possible to build in a modest amount of money to be…

Elon Musk has made a startling claim on Bill Gates saying that the Microsoft co-founder may go bankrupt if Tesla becomes world’s most valuable company.

It is to be mentioned that Elon Musk, who is world’s richest person, hit another milestone after his net worth reached $400 billion, becoming the first person ever to achieve this feat.

Meanwhile, Musk’s latest remark has reignited an old debate between him and Bill Gates which dates back to 2022.

The feud between two entrepreneurs ignited after Bill Gates suffered a loss of $1.5 billion due to his short position on Tesla’s stock.

Following up with the matter, Musk had earlier wrote on X, “If Tesla does become the world’s most valuable company by far, that short position will…

COLOMBO – The Government of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka has announced indicative results of its recent consent solicitation and invitation to exchange concerning the country’s existing bonds. The initiative, which launched on November 25, 2024, has seen significant bondholder participation ahead of the December 12, 2024, expiration deadline.

According to the indicative results, instructions from holders representing 96% of the principal amount outstanding of the existing bonds have been received. This includes a series of bonds with varying maturities, ranging from those due in April 2023 to those maturing in March 2030.

The exchange invites eligible holders of the aggregated collective action clauses () existing…

Elon Musk, the world’s richest man, said that Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates could face bankruptcy under certain circumstances involving Tesla, the electric vehicle company Musk leads.

Musk wrote on X, “If Tesla does become the world’s most valuable company by far, that short position will bankrupt even Bill Gates.” This comment has reignited their long-standing feud over Gates’ alleged short position in Tesla stock.

Musk’s response followed a reshared tweet from a user (Teslaconomics), highlighting Musk’s previous explanation of short selling and Gates’ position.

Musk explained, “Just so that the public understands: Taking out a short position against Tesla, as Gates did, results in the highest return only if a company…