GermanyOwnership & classification
Founded: 1946
Ownership
Handelsblatt is Germany's leading business and financial daily, founded in Düsseldorf in 1946 under a British licence (initially by Herbert Gross, soon led by publisher Friedrich Vogel). The Holtzbrinck publishing family acquired a 50% stake in 1968 and full control of the Verlagsgruppe Handelsblatt by the 1980s. Today it is published by Handelsblatt Media Group, owned by Dieter von Holtzbrinck Medien GmbH (DvH Medien), the holding Dieter von Holtzbrinck built after 2009 (which also holds stakes in Die Zeit and Der Tagesspiegel).
Funding
Financed commercially through print and premium digital subscriptions, advertising and business-information products, under private family ownership.
Affiliation & stance
Handelsblatt takes a business-friendly, economically liberal center-right line, but it is privately owned by the Holtzbrinck family holding with no party or state control. Private commercial ownership makes it INDEPENDENT, matching the site's center-right lean.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Lean Conservative
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 613
70/100
Factual
68/100
Objective
662
Articles
646
reports
Factual: How accurately its articles report the facts, judged against primary sources and the cross-outlet consensus. Only articles that cite their sources are counted.
Objective: How neutral the writing is — whether reporting keeps the writer’s own preferences and opinions out of the article.
Recent coverage
Effects of low water: Port of Duisburg under stress
The article discusses the ongoing low water levels in the Rhine River affecting the Duisburg port and related industries. The port operator Duisport reports that despite recent rainfall, the river level remains below normal, with the current level at 1.49 meters, lower than during the severe drought of 2018. Officials warn that this situation poses risks to shipping and industrial supply chains, particularly for inland waterway transport. Federal and state authorities, including NRW Minister Oliver Krischer, have met to discuss urgent measures, criticizing the slow progress of initiatives aimed at improving river navigability. The federal government has reduced funding for transforming inland shipping by half, leaving only 37 million euros available, which officials argue is insufficient. There is also pressure to implement planned improvements to the river channel. The Duisburg port, Europe’s largest inland port, handles over 20,000 ships and 25,000 trains annually, supporting around 52,000 jobs directly and indirectly, making it a critical economic pillar in the region.
In front of works councils: VW boss calls for unity: 'Everyone must play along'
On August 23, 2026, Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume addressed employees ahead of extraordinary works councils meetings, urging unity amid significant cost-cutting measures and a global automotive industry crisis. Blume emphasized the need for collective effort during the next few years, stating that the company has initiated the largest transformation plan in its history. Employees had previously requested details about the cost-saving plans before the factory holidays. Blume highlighted challenges such as geopolitical tensions, trade barriers, regulatory changes, and weak markets, all impacting the company’s competitiveness. He acknowledged the critical financial situation, noting that while the current return on investment is stable, it is insufficient for long-term sustainability. The upcoming series of works council meetings across multiple locations will allow management to address concerns directly.
Friedrich Merz: German Chancellor criticises 'climate change deniers' in Hürtgenwald, where he is a member of the German parliament
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited the town of Hürtgenwald in North Rhine-Westphalia one week after a severe forest fire destroyed large areas of woodland. During his visit, Merz praised the efforts of firefighters, the military, and other emergency services, stating that their collaboration helped prevent more severe damage. He acknowledged the impact of climate change, calling it a 'sad fact,' and criticized those who deny climate change, urging them to look at the situation in Hürtgenwald. Merz announced that the federal cabinet would discuss improved measures to protect against climate-related disasters such as wildfires, including better communication infrastructure. The fire, which broke out on August 13, covered approximately 300 hectares and was possibly caused by human error. Residents of the village of Gey were evacuated due to safety concerns.
China's sprinting robots are running faster than Usain Bolt
The article discusses advancements in humanoid robotics, particularly highlighting China's progress at the World Humanoid Robot Games. During the event, a robot developed by the Chinese team X-Humanoid set a new record by completing a 100-meter sprint in 9.39 seconds, surpassing the human world record held by Usain Bolt (9.58 seconds). Another robot from the Chinese smartphone manufacturer Honor previously broke this record further, achieving a time of 9.32 seconds. The competition includes various disciplines such as long jump, weightlifting, table tennis, football, and everyday tasks like household chores and rescue operations. Over 660 teams from 16 countries are expected to participate, with most coming from China. Additionally, the article notes the growing interest in robotic technology in China, with companies like Unitree experiencing significant stock market success after their initial public offering.
In the Ukrainian attack on Belgorod killed six people, among the wounded children
On August 17, 2026, an Ukrainian missile attack struck the Russian region of Belgorod, killing six people and injuring four, including a 14-year-old child. The attack reportedly hit the village of Koloskovo in the Valuysky district, damaging a building and a vehicle. In addition, a woman was killed in another Ukrainian strike in Russia’s Astrakhan region, which targeted industrial infrastructure. According to French news agency AFP, at least 19 people were killed in mutual attacks between Ukraine and Russia over the weekend. Russia’s defense ministry described the Ukrainian strikes, some involving hundreds of drones, as the largest since the start of the year. One of the targets was a warehouse belonging to the Russian e-commerce company Wildberries, which Kyiv claims supplies parts for drones to the Russian military. Meanwhile, in southern Odessa Oblast, a Russian night attack on Izmail caused fires that have been extinguished. A civilian ship flying the flag of Tuva was damaged during the attack, leaving four people injured. Ukraine’s state energy company Naftogaz reported that Russia conducted 13 attacks on its facilities across Ukraine in the past week, targeting production and能源
'Pandora's box' opened - Putin threatens Kiev with blow
The article discusses the opening of the 'Pandora's Box' in the context of Russia's ongoing conflict with Ukraine, highlighting President Vladimir Putin's threats against Kyiv. It suggests that the situation has escalated significantly, potentially leading to further military actions or geopolitical consequences. The piece frames this development as a critical turning point in the war, emphasizing the risks involved for both sides.
Energy transition: When wind farms steal rain from coasts
The article titled 'Energiewende: Wenn Windparks den Küsten den Regen klauen' by Die Welt discusses concerns regarding wind farms potentially affecting coastal regions by altering local weather patterns. It suggests that the expansion of wind energy infrastructure might lead to changes in precipitation levels along the coasts, raising questions about the environmental impact of renewable energy projects. The piece highlights the debate over Germany's Energiewende policy, which aims to transition the country to sustainable energy sources. While the focus is on climate and environmental issues, the article implies potential negative consequences for coastal areas due to increased wind farm installations.
Iran War: Trump's second gift to China
The article discusses the impact of U.S.-imposed sanctions on Iran and their geopolitical implications, particularly in relation to China. It notes that Iran has long been under Western sanctions and remains resilient despite President Trump’s threats of economic pressure. China, being the main buyer of Iranian oil, has not shown support for Trump’s actions against Iran. The piece frames Trump’s policies as strategically beneficial to China, suggesting that by weakening Ukraine and tying up U.S. military resources in the Gulf, Trump inadvertently strengthens China’s position. The article also highlights the ongoing trade tensions between the U.S. and China, noting that Trump’s first trade war against China was unsuccessful. It concludes that both sides engage in prolonged strategic games, with Iran maintaining leverage through the Strait of Hormuz.
Business-Ticker: $400 million settlement: US courts suspended the investigation of TikTok
The article reports that the U.S. Justice Department has halted investigations into TikTok over data collection practices after receiving a $400 million payment from the platform. The settlement does not involve an admission of guilt. The DOJ cited changes in ownership of TikTok’s U.S. operations and updated privacy practices. Previously, under President Biden, the DOJ had accused TikTok of allowing children under 13 to create accounts without parental consent, violating child privacy laws. Critics argue companies have not done enough to prevent underage account creation through fake birth dates. Meanwhile, the article also mentions that former President Trump had pushed for TikTok’s U.S. operations to be transferred to a new American-owned company by early 2026, ensuring the app’s continued operation in the U.S., while Bytedance remains in charge globally. Additionally, it notes that Tesla is recalling nearly three million vehicles in China due to safety concerns with retractable door handles, and Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume warns employees that the company’s situation is more than just critical.
Protection of institutions: Federal Council prepares for AfD government
The article discusses concerns within the German federal council (Bundesrat) regarding potential influence by the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party if it gains power in Saxony-Anhalt after the September 6 regional election. Bundesratspräsident Andreas Bovenschulte (SPD) states that while the AfD's presence could be felt politically, he does not foresee significant disruptions to the legislative process. He emphasizes that democratic forces are likely to prevail and stresses the need for continued efforts to prevent an AfD-led government. The AfD currently leads in opinion polls in Saxony-Anhalt ahead of the CDU, which holds the current leadership. Bovenschulte notes that the Bundesrat has already updated its rules of procedure to enhance stability and prevent potential challenges to the constitutional order, though these changes were not specifically aimed at the AfD but rather became necessary after over three decades. The article highlights procedural adjustments designed to limit opportunities for far-right politicians to gain influence within the Bundesrat.
Morning Briefing Plus: Big beautiful debt boom Trump's flirting with the financial disaster
The article titled 'Morning Briefing Plus: Big Beautiful Schuldenknall – Trumps Flirt mit dem Finanzdesaster' by Handelsblatt discusses concerns over U.S. President Donald Trump's financial practices and potential risks to the American economy. The headline suggests a focus on Trump's alleged flirtation with financial disaster, likely referencing his controversial tax cuts, deregulation policies, and personal financial disclosures. While the article does not provide specific details or data, it implies a growing concern among European observers about the economic implications of Trump's administration. The tone appears critical of Trump's fiscal policies, suggesting they could lead to significant debt accumulation and financial instability.
Ukraine war: Wadephul in Kiev Russia fires on the suburbs
The article reports on the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, highlighting increased military activity by Russian forces near Kyiv. It mentions 'Wadephul' which appears to be a misspelling or misrendering of 'Waffen', possibly referring to weapons or military actions. The piece suggests heightened tensions and potential escalations in the region, though specific details about attacks or casualties are not provided.
Iran sees Trump's announced 'economic war' as a violation of international law
The article reports that Iran views President Donald Trump's announced 'economic war' against the country as a violation of international law. The piece highlights Iran's legal arguments, emphasizing that economic sanctions imposed by the U.S. under Trump's administration constitute a breach of principles outlined in international agreements such as the United Nations Charter. It notes that Iran has raised these concerns through diplomatic channels and legal frameworks, arguing that such measures undermine sovereignty and interfere with state rights. The focus is on the geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and Iran, particularly regarding trade restrictions and their perceived legality.