Business & Markets
Eurozone, banking, industry and the companies doing the work of the European economy.
AIIB Opens Second Decade With Push to Make Projects Bankable
The AIIB holds its 11th Annual Meeting in Doha on 28-29 September, the first of its second decade under new president Zou Jiayi. Climate-rel
Uzbekistan unveils special tech zone to lure global firms
Uzbekistan has announced a new special regime aimed at attracting global tech firms. The initiative offers tax incentives and simplified pro
Baku's packed week: F1, security talks, and a $10bn investment push
Baku wrapped up a week of F1 racing, a 100-country security forum, and its second investment forum. New deals span pharma, renewables, and l
Cognac's export crisis exposes EU trade policy blind spots
Cognac sales have fallen from 230 million to 140 million bottles since 2023 as US and Chinese tariffs bite. Producers say they are collatera
TotalEnergies boosts buybacks to $2.5bn and pledges higher dividends
TotalEnergies has increased its share buyback program to $2.5bn and committed to higher dividends. The move reflects confidence in its cash
Rural French businesses struggle as Iran conflict drives up energy costs
In the Oise department, small businesses are hit hard by energy price surges linked to the Iran conflict. A baker's oil bill has nearly doub
US turns Armenia-Azerbaijan peace into trade push along Trans-Caspian corridor
The US is moving from diplomacy to investment in the South Caucasus and Central Asia, using a $201m fund to catalyse private capital. A New
Germany's startup revival: what's driving it and what still blocks growth
Germany recorded 3,053 new startups in the first half of 2026, the highest number since 2019, with a third tied to AI. Yet venture capital r
Volkswagen and Audi recall 2.8 million cars over steering flaw
Volkswagen and Audi are recalling 2.86 million vehicles globally over a steering gear screw that can corrode and break. The recall covers mo
Soaring fuel costs strain rural French businesses
In rural France, soaring fuel and heating oil prices are hitting businesses and households hard. Bakers and food truck owners in towns like
European bond yields steady after rout as US mortgage costs hit 7%
European government bond yields pulled back on Friday after one of the sharpest sell-offs in years. France's borrowing costs relative to Ger
ECB speeches move markets as much as rate decisions, study shows
ECB research shows that speeches and interviews by policymakers can move markets as much as formal rate decisions. The cumulative impact of