Business & Markets
Eurozone, banking, industry and the companies doing the work of the European economy.
UAE Exit from OPEC Signals Strategic Shift as Gulf Unity Faces New Test
The United Arab Emirates will leave OPEC on 1 May after years of tension over output limits. The move underscores a strategic shift toward n
Iran War Disrupts Fertiliser Supply, Threatening Global Food Security
The Iran war and blockade of the Strait of Hormuz have caused a severe fertiliser squeeze, with natural gas prices driving up production cos
EU Vows to Defend Jobs as China Threatens Retaliation Over Industrial Policy
EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič says the bloc will fight for every European job and company amid Chinese threats of retaliation. Beijin
ECB Holds Rates at 2% as Stagflation Fears Mount Across Eurozone
The ECB held its deposit rate at 2% for a third consecutive meeting, matching market expectations. Inflation in the eurozone hit 3% in April
Bank of England Holds Rates as Iran Conflict Drives Oil to Four-Year High
The Bank of England held interest rates at 3.75% on Thursday, following the Fed and Bank of Japan. War in Iran and the Strait of Hormuz clos
Brent Crude Briefly Tops $126 as US-Iran Tensions Rattle Markets
Brent crude briefly hit $126 per barrel on Thursday, its highest level since the Ukraine war began. The spike comes as US-Iran negotiations
Eurozone Inflation Hits 3% as Oil Spike and Stalled Growth Raise Stagflation Fears
Annual inflation in the euro area reached 3.0% in April, propelled by a 10.9% jump in energy costs due to the Iran conflict. Economic growth
Volkswagen warns deeper cuts needed as first-quarter profit plunges 28%
Volkswagen's net profit fell 28% to €1.56 billion in the first quarter of 2026. The carmaker warns its future is at risk without deeper cost
France's Economy Stalls as Iran Conflict Drives Energy Shock
France's economy recorded zero growth in the first quarter of 2026, a sharp slowdown from late 2025. Exports plunged 3.8% and inflation hit
Europe's Labour Tax Divide: Why Germany and France Tax Work Heavily While the UK Takes a Lighter Approach
The tax wedge on labour in Germany and France is roughly 50% higher than in the UK. Belgium tops the list at 50.8%, while Switzerland has th
Energy Costs Drive Inflation Higher in Germany and Spain Ahead of ECB Rate Decision
Germany's EU-harmonised inflation hit 2.9% in April, the highest since January 2024, while Spain's accelerated to 3.5%. Energy costs, spurre
EU Relaxes State Aid Rules to Shield Businesses from Middle East-Driven Energy Crisis
The European Commission has temporarily loosened state aid rules to allow member states to subsidise up to 70% of extra fuel and fertiliser