BUSINESS

Gold and silver prices have been smashing records in recent weeks. In fact, silver has officially dethroned gold by delivering higher returns to investors since the beginning of the year. Those who can afford it are investing in gold, while silver has become the second investment choice for the public. So, which is the better investment, gold or silver? The World Bank has released its forecast for gold and silver prices for 2026.

The renowned Riegelein chocolates, which can be found in almost every German Christmas dish and Easter basket, are now becoming a thing of the past. By 2026, the factories will be shutting down one by one, followed by the closure of the largest warehouse in Forchheim in 2027.

Pizza Hut, the world's largest pizza chain, is downsizing in yet another country. Following the cessation of its operations in Turkey months ago, troubling news has emerged from the chain's UK restaurants. The popular pizza chain, with a history spanning 67 years, is set to close 68 of its outlets across the UK, leaving 1210 employees jobless. In addition, Pizza Hut had entered into bankruptcy management in the UK last year.

The California-based tech giant, Nvidia, has made a global first. In just four months, Nvidia managed to increase its market value from 4 trillion to 5 trillion dollars, setting a new record. Jensen Huang, the CEO of Nvidia, one of the world's largest tech companies, announced that they received an order for artificial intelligence chips worth 500 billion dollars and they will be building seven supercomputers for the United States.

As we approach 2026, Turkey is not the only country discussing the minimum wage. The minimum wage in Germany has been determined. The German Federal Government has implemented a two-stage raise plan for the minimum wage. So, what is the new minimum wage in Germany?

Cargill's chocolate factory, established in 1977 in Berlin, the capital of Germany, is shutting down. It's reported that 43 people are employed at the factory located in Lichtenrade, and labor unions have expressed their opposition to the layoffs. The employees, on the other hand, have voiced their disappointment over unkept promises.

Iran's largest bank has declared bankruptcy. Ayandeh Bank, established in 2012, announced its insolvency after incurring a loss of $5.2 billion. Following the announcement, long lines formed outside the bank's branches in Tehran. Iran's Minister of Economy, Ali Medenizade, reassured the bank's customers that there was no need for concern.

Not only in Turkey, but companies worldwide are in dire straits. The economic crisis is forcing even established brands and half-century-old companies to hoist the flag of bankruptcy one by one. Many firms are struggling due to the US customs tariffs, including a 41-year-old watch giant on the brink of bankruptcy. Fossil, a well-known watch brand in Turkey, has entered a restructuring process. The brand has filed for bankruptcy protection, requesting that the US recognize its restructuring process in the UK.

Every word that comes out of US President Donald Trump's mouth shakes the markets and new statements are not delayed. Trump made a new announcement that will shock the world. The US President stated that they will increase the tax rate applied to China, saying, 'As of November 1, a customs duty of 155 percent will be applied to China.'

Internal communications of Amazon, one of the world's leading companies, have been revealed. Amazon, which invests heavily in artificial intelligence, plans to lay off approximately 600,000 people within the next two years. According to the company's plan, the number of employees will decrease and robots will take over.

Gold prices, which ended last week with a slight decline, began to rise again as the new week began. In Turkey, the price of a gram of gold rose to 5,859 lira. The price of an ounce of gold started trading at 4,347 dollars. Strategist Devrim Akyıl, a guest on the 'Açık Açık' program hosted by Güzem Yılmaz Ertem and aired on the 'finansZone' YouTube channel, stated that minor declines in gold prices could always occur, but he believes the rise will continue until 2028. Akyıl drew attention with his statement, 'The price of gold is saying 'things are going to get messy, get ready.''

Tour companies in Turkey have turned the rising food prices into an opportunity. Some firms have started supermarket tours to neighboring Greece. The price for these day trips is 39 euros, which is approximately 1900 TL, and they are attracting a lot of interest. Citizens from Turkey are traveling by bus to Alexandroupoli in Greece to do cheaper grocery shopping.

Forbes has updated its billionaires list. A significant change has occurred in Forbes' 'Real-Time Billionaires List', which features the wealthiest individuals from each country. Murat Ülker, known as the richest person in Turkey, has fallen to second place. The top spot is now occupied by a prominent business figure who has recently come into the spotlight in Turkey due to his sponsorship of Fenerbahçe. Here's the richest person in Turkey.

However, this bankruptcy is different from many others. It's not from the textile, automotive or food industry; it's from the cartoon sector. The US team of the French comic book brand named Humanoids, which has a history of 51 years, has filed for bankruptcy. It is stated that Marvel of Walt Disney, which has swept the whole world, and Warner Bros have played a significant role in the process leading to bankruptcy.

The Belgium-based world-leading personal care giant has decided to withdraw from Turkey. Ontex, which has been operating in the Turkish market for 25 years, has officially withdrawn from the country. According to the news from Kerim Ülker of Patronlar Dünyası, the company has a turnover of 2.3 billion euros. Ontex's brands in Turkey were purchased by the Dilek Group.

A plumber undergoing a renovation in Vienna encountered the biggest surprise of his life when he struck a wall with his pickaxe. Inside the can that came out of the wall, a colossal treasure of gold coins from the World War II era, estimated to be worth 2 million Euros (30 kg), was found. This mind-boggling discovery turned an ordinary workday into an event that rivals Hollywood movies.

The recent increase in 'bank branch closures' on England's main commercial streets, known as 'High Street', continues to be supplemented with new ones. Santander, one of Europe's largest financial institutions, announced that it has officially closed 76 bank branches throughout 2025. Additionally, it was announced that the Surrey Quays branch in London, one of the bank's most popular branches, will also be permanently closed next month.