🇲🇦MoroccoNorth Africa
Oil prices fall amid hopes for Middle East peace negotiations, global markets rally
via Le Matin3 min read
Oil prices have fallen, with Brent crude dropping 7.28% to $101.87 and US WTI down 7.04% to $95.07 per barrel, as prospects for reopening the Strait of Hormuz emerge. This strait is crucial, handling 20% of the world's oil supply. The decline in oil prices is attributed to hopes for a resolution in the Middle East conflict, despite former President Donald Trump's threat of intensified bombing against Iran if an agreement is not reached. According to Axios, a one-page memorandum of understanding has been drafted to end the war and establish a framework for nuclear negotiations, with the US awaiting Iran's response within 48 hours. ING economist Charlotte de Montpellier noted that sources indicating a near agreement are considered credible by markets, outweighing escalation threats. Daniela Hathorn, an analyst at Capital.com, believes this marks the closest the parties have been to a resolution since the conflict began. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, a mediator, expressed optimism that the current dynamics in the Strait of Hormuz could lead to peace. Patrick Munnelly of Tickmill Group stated that hopes for an agreement have moved the market away from extreme scenarios of global crude supply disruption. Trump had previously announced the suspension of his "Freedom Project" for escorting ships in the Strait of Hormuz, citing significant progress toward resuming negotiations. Global stock markets have reacted positively, with European markets, particularly sensitive to e
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A new report, the 2026 Labor Force Survey from the HCP, reveals that the Moroccan labor market experiences greater pressure than its 10.8% unemployment rate suggests. The survey indicates that a substantial 22.5% of the workforce is underutilized, a figure that encompasses not only the unemployed but also those who are underemployed and inactive.
Stellantis has launched a new circular economy center in Casablanca. The announcement was made on May 5, 2026, by Le Matin.ma. This initiative aims to promote sustainable practices within the automotive industry.
Morocco's Ministry of Health and Social Protection and AstraZeneca have signed a strategic agreement during the GITEX Future Health Africa - Morocco exhibition. This partnership aims to enhance cooperation in critical areas such as chronic disease screening, the development of digital solutions incorporating artificial intelligence, and the use of real-world data to improve medical decision-making. The agreement also includes strengthening the skills of healthcare professionals and expanding the "Heart Health in Africa" initiative, which focuses on cardiovascular and renal disease management. This collaboration supports Morocco's goal of consolidating its health sovereignty and developing its research and innovation capabilities. Minister Amine Tehraoui noted that Morocco is undergoing a significant transformation of its healthcare system under the Royal Project for the generalization of social protection and universal health coverage. Rami Scandar, AstraZeneca's President for the Middle East and North Africa region, affirmed the group's long-term commitment to Morocco through support for initiatives based on scientific innovation, digital technologies, and artificial intelligence.
Stellantis began 2026 with significantly improved indicators, achieving 38.1 billion euros in revenue, a 6% increase, and returning to a net profit of 0.4 billion euros. This marks a gradual return to profitability after a challenging 2025. The current operating income reached 1 billion euros, with a 2.5% margin, showing notable year-over-year progress driven by improved industrial execution and cost management. Industrial free cash flow remained negative at -1.9 billion euros, partly due to Q1 seasonality and exceptional charges from 2025, but the deficit was reduced by 37%. Stellantis strengthened its financial fundamentals by issuing 5 billion euros in hybrid notes, increasing liquidity to 44.1 billion euros, which is 28% of annual revenue. Commercial performance was generally positive, with North America leading with 6% sales growth, particularly for the Ram brand. Europe also progressed, supported by a diverse offering of thermal, hybrid, and electric powertrains, and maintained leadership in commercial vehicles. South America held its dominant position despite market share erosion, while Asia-Pacific saw a slight decline. The Middle East and Africa region showed resilience with stable sales and improved relative performance in a declining market. Stellantis is focusing on improving quality, production, and customer experience, with new models launched last year contributing to volume increases. The company plans to launch 10 new vehicles and six restyled models in 2026,