Evening Update 05 August

The World Weather Network has said the recent ‘canicule’ heatwave across France would have been less severe without climate change. They say temperature highs of up to 42d in Paris would have been 3 degrees lower under normal circumstances. Meanwhile, His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco has received a distinction at the UNESCO Headquarters for his outstanding contribution to the promotion of climate change, biodiversity and oceanographic research.

Monaco’s new electric taxi service is to expand out of the Principality and being serving Cap d’Ail, Beausoleil and Roquebrune. Last month 20 new all electric white taxi’s were introduced to handle the peak summer period. Unlike traditional taxis, the tariffs are fixed, costing €15 a trip within Monaco and €25 into neighbouring towns.

In Nice, the extension of Tram Line 2 to the Port is still on time. It was announced today that finishing works are about to commence at the underground Place Durandy station which will open in December.

If you’ve been getting strange texts on your telephone today asking how you are, it’s not a scam, but a new French trend where people send a ‘hello’ text to someone who’s number is one higher or one lower than their own. Called Voisin de Telephone or Viosin de Numero the telephone neighbours idea is spreading fast via Twitter.

BUSINESS

American stocks have fallen sharply this morning, as the trade war between the US and China reignites. The Dow Jones Industrial Average plunged 500 points, while the Chinese currency has dropped to its lowest level in a decade, something President Trump has described as ‘currency manipulation’. As the trade war intensifies, investors are heading to ‘safe haven’ assets such as Gold which is at its highest level now in six years.

Meanwhile, the Bank of America has said if China were to ignore US sanctions against Iran, and decide to buy crude oil from there, it would send oil prices crashing by $20 or $30 a barrel .. or half the price its selling for today. However the bank is maintaining its outlook on Brent Crude at $60 a barrel for 2020.

SPORT

Speculation is rife that Radamel Falcao could soon be leaving AS Monaco. The Colombian striker has said he’s looking for a longer deal which will give him more security and if that involves leaving the League 1 team, he will go. Just days ago AS Monaco confirmed a number of teams are interested in the striker, but that it was important for them, that the player stay in the Principality.

UK Premier League side Manchester United have signed England centre-back Harry Maguire from rivals Leicester City for Stg £80m, a world record fee for a defender. The 26-year-old has signed for six years at Old Trafford, with the option of a further year.