Weak dollar hurts Dutch companies

Besides President Donald Trump's import tariffs, businesses have been hit by the weakened dollar in recent months. Since spring, the US dollar has plummeted against other major currencies. This is also affecting Dutch publicly traded businesses this earnings season. Hedging currency risks is expensive and more difficult for smaller companies, says stock market editor Albert Wagenaar.

The English and Americans are adept at attracting large corporations. The Netherlands, it seemed, had lost the knack of it. But in the battle over who would acquire Unilever's ice cream division, which was to be spun off, The Hague answered the phone at just the right moments. Editors Pieter Couwenbergh and Edwin van der Schoot spoke with those involved and compiled a reconstruction. Edwin explains how the Netherlands won the battle.

Municipalities are offering vacancies that can be filled by both freelancers and seconded employees. Employment law specialists believe these kinds of hybrid vacancies can seriously jeopardize municipalities. They encourage bogus self-employment among freelancers, which can lead to hefty additional assessments and fines, warn the FNV and CNV unions. FD editor Renol Vestergaard delved into these hybrid vacancies and explains the risks.