Business & Markets
Eurozone, banking, industry and the companies doing the work of the European economy.
Oil prices slide as US and Iran hold fire in Strait of Hormuz
Oil prices dropped sharply on Monday as the US and Iran refrained from further military action in the Persian Gulf. Brent crude fell 4.66% t
Global Millionaire Count Surges by Two Million in 2025, Europe Sees Uneven Gains
The global high-net-worth individual population grew 7.9% to 25.3 million in 2025, adding nearly two million new millionaires. Europe's HNWI
Russia's Central Bank Slashes 2026 GDP Forecast to Zero Amid Fuel Crisis
The Bank of Russia now expects 2026 GDP growth of just 0.0–1.0%, down from 0.5–1.5%. Inflation is forecast at 6–7% as fuel shortages push up
Europe's Hiring Mismatch: Employers Seek Yesterday's Talent in an AI-Driven Market
Applications per role have doubled since 2022, yet two-thirds of recruiters say finding qualified talent is harder than a year ago. Many com
Uzbekistan's Economy Grows 8.5% as Services and Investment Surge
Uzbekistan's GDP grew 8.5% in the first half of 2026, fueled by a 16.9% expansion in services and €24.6 billion in investment. Moody's upgra
Syria's Textile Industry Seeks Revival as Aleppo Hosts First Major Trade Fair in Years
Aleppo's Nas Tex 2026 exhibition drew over 300 companies from 20 countries, signalling a potential revival of Syria's textile industry. The
US Imposes New Tariffs on 60 Nations Over Forced Labour, Including EU States
The US will impose new tariffs of 10-12.5% on 60 countries, including EU states, over forced labour allegations. The measures replace expiri
US Trade Chief Warns EU Google Fine Threatens Transatlantic Trade Deal
The US Trade Representative warns that the EU's €890 million fine against Google under the Digital Markets Act jeopardizes ongoing trade tal
Poland's Public Debt Surpasses €500 Billion as Borrowing Accelerates
Poland's public debt has climbed above €500 billion, driven by record borrowing needs. The debt-to-GDP ratio rose 4.5 percentage points in Q
AfCFTA's Promise Unfulfilled for African SMEs as Barriers Persist
Nearly a decade after the AfCFTA launch, small businesses still face barriers like poor infrastructure and complex border procedures. Togo a
ECB's September Rate Decision Hinges on Oil Price Trajectory, Lagarde Signals
ECB President Christine Lagarde has indicated that the path of oil prices will be a decisive factor in the September rate decision. The Gove
ECB Holds Rates at 2.25% as Renewed Iran Conflict Keeps Autumn Hike Possible
The ECB left its deposit facility rate at 2.25% on Thursday, pausing after June's hike. Renewed fighting between the US and Iran has pushed