Business & Markets
Eurozone, banking, industry and the companies doing the work of the European economy.
European gas prices surge as IEA urges strategic reserves
European wholesale gas prices have climbed above €79 per megawatt-hour, the highest since early 2023, as Middle East conflict disrupts LNG s
Oil tops $100 as US-Iran strikes rattle Strait of Hormuz
Brent crude has climbed above $100 a barrel after US forces destroyed Iranian tankers and Tehran retaliated with missile strikes. The Strait
Champagne harvest halves, but cellars cushion the blow
This year's Champagne grape harvest is expected to be about half the normal size, the smallest since the 1980s. Producers can draw on reserv
ECB set to hike rates again, but the rationale is far from clear
The European Central Bank is almost certain to raise its deposit rate to 2.5% on Thursday. Yet with core inflation easing and energy prices
Italy's growth nears 1% but structural woes persist
Italy's GDP could approach 1% in 2026, according to the economy minister. But economists caution that structural weaknesses and demographic
Uzbekistan's local brands set sights on global markets
Uzbekistan's manufacturers and designers are moving beyond production to build recognisable brands. New government measures aim to help them
Serbia and Uzbekistan seek closer economic ties as Mirziyoyev visits Belgrade
Bilateral trade hit a record $41.9m in 2025, with Serbian agri-food exports up 54.1% in early 2026. The two countries are discussing a free
Italy proposes fee-free digital euro payments under €10
Italy has proposed that digital euro payments under €10 carry no merchant fees, a measure aimed at protecting small businesses. The European
Canada slaps tariffs up to 50% on US goods as trade war deepens
Canada's counter-tariffs on US goods took effect, covering C$27.6 billion in imports. Duties of up to 50% target steel, dairy, and other pro
Qatar and UAE turn to ship-to-ship transfers to bypass Hormuz blockade
Qatar and the UAE are using ship-to-ship transfers to move LNG around the Hormuz blockade, adding over $1 million per operation. Three cargo
German exports slip in July, clouding recovery outlook
German exports declined 0.8% in July, the first fall in five months, driven by weaker demand from China and the eurozone. The data adds to c
Jaguar Land Rover to shed 4,000 jobs as it seeks £1.7bn savings
Jaguar Land Rover will cut around 4,000 jobs globally over two years as part of a cost-saving plan. The UK-based automaker aims to generate