Business & Markets
Eurozone, banking, industry and the companies doing the work of the European economy.
BP puts North Sea assets up for sale after six decades
BP has begun marketing its North Sea oil and gas business for sale, potentially ending over 60 years of production in the region. The portfo
Apple's record quarter fails to reassure investors as outlook disappoints
Apple reported record revenue of $109.42bn for the June quarter, driven by strong iPhone and Mac sales. However, shares fell as much as 8% i
EU's October deadline with China: why trade concessions look unlikely
The EU's October deadline for tangible trade concessions from China is unlikely to yield major results. Structural imbalances, Beijing's lev
Azerbaijani pipelines are vital arteries for Caspian gas to Europe, SOCAR says
Azerbaijani pipelines are critical arteries connecting Caspian gas to Europe, says a SOCAR executive. Exports to the EU have risen 56% since
Uzbekistan's decade of reforms: from GDP surge to everyday economic change
Uzbekistan's economy has grown dramatically since 2017, with GDP rising from €21 billion to €130 billion. The government now prioritises tra
Bank of England holds rates at 3.75% as Middle East tensions cloud inflation outlook
The Bank of England held its key interest rate at 3.75% for the fifth consecutive meeting, even as UK inflation eased to 2.6% in June. The d
EU to probe Balkan construction imports for Chinese tariff evasion
The European Commission is set to investigate imports of open mesh fabrics from several Balkan countries. Suspicions centre on Chinese glass
Eurozone Growth Surprises Upward in Q2 2026, but Divergence Widens
Eurozone GDP expanded 0.4% in Q2 2026, surpassing forecasts. Ireland surged 3.9%, while Germany and France managed only 0.2% growth. Spain r
Low Rhine and Danube levels disrupt European industry and energy
Record-low water levels on the Rhine and Danube are crippling cargo shipping and forcing industrial giants like BASF, Thyssenkrupp, and nucl
Spain's inflation climbs to 3.5% in July as fuel and electricity costs surge
Spain's annual inflation hit 3.5% in July, the highest since May 2024, driven by rising fuel and electricity costs. Core inflation also rose
Fed holds rates steady as three officials dissent for hike amid inflation and Iran war
The US Federal Reserve held its key interest rate steady at 3.50-3.75% for the fifth consecutive meeting. Three of the 12 voting policymaker
Air France-KLM and Lufthansa submit binding bids for 44.5% stake in TAP Air Portugal
Air France-KLM and Lufthansa submitted binding bids for a 44.5% stake in TAP Air Portugal on Tuesday. The Portuguese government now has 30 d