Business & Markets
Eurozone, banking, industry and the companies doing the work of the European economy.
IEA Warns of Oil Price Volatility as Global Stockpiles Drain at Record Pace
Global oil stockpiles dropped by 129 million barrels in March and 117 million in April, the IEA reports. The agency warns of renewed price v
EU Negotiators Reach Provisional Deal on Safeguard Clauses for US Trade Pact
EU negotiators have provisionally agreed on a safeguard clause allowing the bloc to reimpose tariffs on US industrial goods if a surge in im
Iran's Economy Buckles Under War, Blockades, and 54% Inflation
Iran's inflation has hit 54%, the rial lost over half its value, and food prices surged 115%. The war and US blockade are testing Tehran's r
Cyprus, Bulgaria, Spain Lead Eurozone Growth in 2026 Despite Risks
Cyprus leads EU growth at 3.0% year-on-year in Q1 2026, followed by Bulgaria at 2.9% and Spain at 2.6%. All three face headwinds from energy
US Tech Titans Join Trump in Beijing as AI Chip Export Curbs Top Agenda
A high-level US business delegation including Nvidia's Jensen Huang travels to Beijing with President Trump. AI chip export controls and mar
Australia Balances China Trade with Diverse Partnerships, Ambassador Tells Brussels
Australia's Ambassador to the EU and NATO, Angus Campbell, described the country's trade with China as 'constructive' and 'very significant.
SOCAR Completes Italiana Petroli Acquisition After EU Green Light
SOCAR has finalised its acquisition of a 99.82% stake in Italiana Petroli after receiving EU merger clearance. The deal strengthens Azerbaij
EU to Ban Brazilian Meat Imports Over Antimicrobial Use Starting September
An EU committee voted unanimously to remove Brazil from the list of countries complying with EU food safety standards. The ban, effective Se
Global Shipping Reroutes as Hormuz Crisis Reshapes Trade Corridors
Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz force global shipping companies to adopt costly workarounds, with no viable maritime alternative. The disru
Lufthansa to Acquire 90% of ITA Airways in €325 Million Deal
Lufthansa announced plans to raise its stake in ITA Airways from 41% to 90% for €325 million. The deal, approved by Lufthansa's board, await
Iran Conflict Disrupts Bunker Fuel Supply, Threatening Global Shipping Costs
Disruption in the Strait of Hormuz is causing shortages of bunker fuel, the heavy oil powering 80% of global seaborne trade. Prices in Singa
European Stocks Surge in 2026: AI, Defense, and Hydrogen Drive Gains
Sivers Semiconductors leads European stocks with a 947% surge, fueled by AI photonics demand. French satellite operator Eutelsat gains 64% a