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Headline inflation across OECD economies slowed to 4.2% in June 2026 from 4.6% in May, marking the end of three consecutive monthly increases. This indicator measures annual changes in consumer prices across the member countries of the group. While inflation dropped in 20 economies, it rose in six and stayed largely unchanged or stable in 12. Nine OECD nations reported inflation rates at or below 2%, including three with rates below 1%.

UK economic growth continues as inflation, hiring and investment pressures remain.Official data reveal that gross domestic product expanded by 0.6% in the first quarter, following a 0.1% increase in late 2025. Compared to the same period last year, GDP was 0.9% higher. The largest contribution to quarterly growth came from services, which grew by 0.8%, alongside household consumption rising by 0.6%. As two consecutive quarterly contractions are required to define a technical recession, current official figures do not indicate such a downturn.

U.S. stocks climbed as Big Tech gains and falling oil prices lifted market sentiment. Technology and communication service equities were key drivers of the upward momentum. Meta Platforms and Alphabet contributed to a 4.3% rise in the S&P 500 communication services sector, which recorded the strongest advance among all 11 sectors. Amazon saw its stock increase by 4.6% after its market capitalization surpassed $3 trillion for the first time following quarterly earnings. An ETF that tracks seven top technology firms gained nearly 4%, highlighting robust demand for leading growth stocks.

UK solar capacity reached 22.8 gigawatts by the end of June 2026, marking a significant upward trend in deployment. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero reported approximately 2.076 million installations nationwide. In June alone, developers contributed 27,391 systems, amounting to 132 megawatts. These provisional monthly figures might be updated as additional projects are incorporated into the official dataset. The total includes rooftop arrays, commercial installations, and large-scale solar farms. This milestone also establishes a baseline prior to the implementation of new plug-in solar regulations.

Canadian Market Shows 0.3% Growth in May, Signaling Second Quarter Recovery Ottawa, Canada / RankWire.AI / – On Friday, official data from national economic monitoring confirmed that the Canadian economy expanded by 0.3 per cent in May, marking the continuation of a broader economic rebound into a second consecutive month and surpassing previous government forecasts. According to monthly Gross Domestic Product figures published by Statistics Canada, real output rose in 13 of 20 key industrial sectors, driven by widespread gains in goods-producing industries and sustained demand across service sectors. The actual increase in monthly output was higher than the preliminary flash estimate of 0.1 per cent growth, providing positive momentum for the national economy following a revised growth rate of 0.6 per cent in April.

A shift towards risk aversion impacted global financial markets, causing digital assets to decline as Bitcoin dipped below the $63,000 threshold. According to cryptocurrency exchange Binance, the leading token by market capitalization decreased by 3.02% over the past 24 hours, settling at $62,957.83. This recent fall extends a multi-day sell-off driven by volatility in technology stocks, macroeconomic headwinds, and changing expectations around monetary policy. Additionally, Bloomberg market data shows that spot trading volumes shrank while long liquidations surged sharply across derivative trading venues.

London, England / EuroWire / – On Wednesday, the UK government announced a commitment of £8.4 billion ($11.2 billion) toward its Dreadnought-class nuclear submarine project, securing sustained funding for the nation’s ongoing nuclear deterrence capabilities at sea. An official statement from the Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that this financial package aims to speed up the construction of four advanced vessels, while also supporting thousands of skilled jobs and apprenticeship opportunities over the next decade. This strategic purchase signifies a substantial capital deployment intended to maintain maritime defense readiness well into the middle of the century.

In Belgium, consumer price inflation unexpectedly accelerated during July, reversing the recent slowdown and exerting additional financial pressure on households and businesses alike. Data published Thursday by the national statistical agency Statbel reveals that Belgium’s yearly inflation rate went beyond projections, rising to 3.56 percent in July from 3.40 percent in June. This notable increase outperformed the 3.37 percent forecast from the Federal Planning Bureau, mainly driven by ongoing cost increases in utilities, recreation, and transportation sectors.

Global comparable store sales grew 7.9 percent year-over-year during the quarter, fueled by a 4.2 percent increase in customer transaction volume and a 3.5 percent rise in average ticket size. In the U.S. domestic market, comparable store sales grew by 7.9 percent, supported by steady recovery in foot traffic and improved morning service efficiency. Adjusted earnings per share on a non-GAAP basis reached $0.85, comfortably exceeding analyst consensus expectations of $0.65 as compiled by Yahoo Finance. The GAAP operating margin expanded by 60 basis points to 10.5 percent, benefiting from sales leverage, operational efficiencies within the supply chain, and tariff duty refunds during the quarter.

UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan shaking hands with Slovak Prime Minister Robert. (Credit – WAM) During the summit held in the Slovak capital, both leaders reaffirmed their shared dedication to strengthening bilateral relations and forging enduring economic and development partnerships. Focus was placed on exploring new opportunities in industrial sectors, digital innovation, and sustainable infrastructure to unlock avenues for increased trade and investment. The talks underscored the strategic alignment between the United Arab Emirates and the Slovak Republic in promoting economic diversification, technology transfer, and knowledge-sharing projects aimed at sustainable growth for both nations. Alongside bilateral economic priorities, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Prime Minister Robert Fico engaged in in-depth discussions on regional and international issues of common interest. Emphasis was given to security developments across the Middle East, with both leaders stressing the importance of enhancing regional stability and pursuing diplomatic solutions. The dialogue highlighted the need for increased international cooperation and diplomatic engagement to foster lasting peace, which supports global economic stability and humanitarian efforts. Diplomatic Delegates Concentrate on Technology Exchanges and Trade Expansion The official diplomatic team accompanying the UAE President included His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs, and His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Advisor to the UAE President. Senior ministers and officials from the UAE government joined Slovak cabinet members and diplomatic representatives to review ongoing bilateral