AI-generated summary
The article describes the “Book now, pay later” trend in the travel sector, which is known from online shopping, and examines its spread on travel portals and the reluctance of large operators.
Audio player is loading
Click here to have WELT articles preferred in Google searches.

The DAX started 0.2 percent lower at 25,395 points, supported by rising oil prices and growing concerns about AI risks. Investors await tomorrow's Federal Reserve interest rate meeting, while the yield on 10-year US Treasury bonds briefly rose above five percent - for the first time since 2023. Analysts warn of a challenging market environment due to geopolitical risks, higher energy prices and bond market fluctuations.

Axa wants to grow faster than before in the next three years. The insurer is relying on new customers, additional market shares and greater competitiveness. The strategic plan “Growing Forward 2029” is intended to accelerate organic growth. Artificial intelligence plays a central role in customer service, pricing, risk assessment and claims settlement. A “Global AI Hub” is expected to contribute 500 to 700 million euros annually from 2029. In addition, Axa plans to expand prevention offerings in the health and weather areas. The group employs around 156,000 people worldwide and has more than 92 million customers in 52 countries.

In the warehouse of the Spitzhüttl furniture store in Lower Franconia, warehouse worker Peter Kiesel is testing an exoskeleton from the Munich start-up Ease, which makes lifting up to 20 kilograms easier. Founder Christina Harbauer emphasizes the double relief for the back and arms. The article also describes the current start-up boom in Germany, driven by AI, better funding conditions and venture capital, with the USA being far ahead in terms of investments per capita.

The BMW iX3 has reached 100,000 orders in Europe within a year, which the company says represents the best start for a model in its first year of availability. The iX3 accounts for about a third of European electric car orders and about half of orders within the X3 family. BMW plans to bring a total of 40 new and revised models with New Class technologies onto the market by the end of 2027.

Warnings from AI companies about the dangers of their products and rising bond yields weighed on Wall Street on Monday. The S&P 500 fell to its lowest level since April 2025, while chip stocks like Nvidia and Broadcom suffered losses. Investors are nervous about the Fed's upcoming interest rate meeting, where a 25 basis point interest rate hike is expected with a 90 percent probability.

Lidl receives approval from the KBA to use autonomous battery-electric trucks to deliver to a store in Edermünde. The 400 meter long test run takes place without a safety driver in the vehicle, but with an accompanying vehicle. The aim is to standardize complex food logistics and deal with the driver shortage. The partner is the Swedish start-up Einride. The pilot will run for four months before plans are made to expand to additional branches.