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Official data revealed that Denmark’s inflation rate for the year decelerated to 1.7% in July from 1.9% in June. Statistics Denmark reported that consumer prices increased by 1.3% compared to the previous month. The core inflation rate remained steady at 2.3%, matching the June figure. Notably, price hikes in restaurants and hotels continued to significantly influence the index. Additionally, holiday home rentals contributed strongly during the summer travel season.

According to an analysis by Triodos Bank, intense heatwaves and drought conditions across Europe have the potential to shave off approximately 1% from the European Union’s economic output in 2026. This estimated decrease amounts to about €180 billion, occurring amid a year already marked by sluggish growth.

South Korea is experiencing significant rises in fresh produce costs as scorching temperatures disrupt agricultural production and diminish vegetable inventories. Data from Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corp. indicated that spinach reached 1,978 won per 100 grams on Aug. 7, representing an increase of 152.3% compared to the previous month. Meanwhile, ten cucumbers were priced at 8,313 won, up 54.8%, with blue lettuce climbing 41.7% and zucchini reaching 1,504 won, reflecting a 46.6% increase.

On Friday, European space authorities finalized a significant expansion of the bloc’s leading orbital communications system after several months of multilateral commercial negotiations in Brussels. Confirming the development, the European Commission announced that it has signed a contract to extend IRIS2 satellite constellation via a binding implementation agreement with the SpaceRISE industrial consortium. This formal agreement marks the culmination of detailed technical and financial discussions that began in January 2026, moving the Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite program from initial planning to full industrial deployment.

South Korea’s current account surplus hit a record $49.73 billion in June, driven by a surge in semiconductor exports. This marks a significant jump from the previous high of $38.61 billion recorded in May. The country’s streak of consecutive current account surpluses extended to 38 months. The primary driver of this growth was robust goods exports, with technology shipments leading the overseas sales expansion.

Eurozone manufacturing strengthened in July as factory output reached its fastest pace in nearly four and a half years. The S&P Global manufacturing PMI rose to 51.9 from 51.4 in June. Production improved at the start of the third quarter, but demand indicators showed that the recovery remained uneven across the currency bloc. Export orders declined again as weakness in France, Spain, Italy and Austria outweighed gains elsewhere. Companies relied on previously received work to support current output, leaving production growth well ahead of fresh demand from domestic and overseas customers.

EU-backed growth fund opens a new financing channel for European technology scaleups. The European Commission has pledged €1 billion to this initiative, with funding supported by Horizon Europe. Initial contributions from founding investors will be made at the first closing, along with the EU’s contribution. The €5 billion figure reflects the intended fundraising goal, not the amount already secured. Authorities have not yet disclosed the amount raised at the initial closing, and EQT may raise more or less than the target. The Commission will participate under the same financial conditions as other fund investors. The fund aims to back European tech firms seeking substantial late-stage and growth financing rounds. It is open to companies based within EU member states as well as eligible Horizon Europe partner nations. Investment decisions will be made through a merit-based process by EQT, which will also oversee the portfolio and approve individual funding. Governance participation will involve the Commission and other investors, but they will not influence specific deal choices. EQT secured the management mandate through an open and competitive selection process. Focus on strategic technologies and investment scale Targeted sectors include artificial intelligence, semiconductors, quantum technology, robotics and autonomous systems. The scope also covers energy, space, biotechnology, medical technology, agritech and advanced materials. The fund plans to invest approximately €100 million or more per company, which may include follow-on funding after initial investment. Companies can qualify from Series B onwards and must operate within an eligible country or plan to establish operations there. The investment range spans

In June 2026, inflation across OECD nations decelerated to 4.2% from 4.6% in May. This decline marked the end of a three-month streak of increasing headline inflation. Consumer prices grew at a slower rate in 20 member countries, while six saw an increase. Lower energy inflation helped reduce price growth across OECD, G7 and G20 economies. Annual energy inflation decreased by four percentage points to 11.7%, down from 15.8% in May. Energy deceleration reduces G7 inflation across G7 countries, headline inflation dropped to 3.0% in June from 3.5% in May.

While the UK economy avoids entering recession, easing investment and hiring activity have heightened concerns over its future expansion prospects. EY projects gross domestic product to grow by 0.9% in 2026, revising upward its May estimate by 0.1 percentage points. The firm also forecasts a 1.2% increase in 2027. Its central scenario assumes the Strait of Hormuz reopens by September, although shipping volumes remain below typical levels. Energy costs now play a central role in discussions about the UK’s economic trajectory.

Equity markets surged on Monday, driven by advances in technology shares and a retreat in crude oil prices. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 693.38 points, or 1.32%, to hit a record level of 53,178.41. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 increased by 1.48% to 7,600.50, approaching its all-time high. The Nasdaq Composite rose 2.13%, closing at 25,913.90. Momentum was broad-based, with gains across key sectors and many smaller U.S. firms participating.