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Business Briefing
In January 2026, annual inflation in the euro area decreased to 1.7%, down from 2.0% in December 2025, a notable shift that hints at easing cost pressures within households. However, beneath the headline figures, a diverse inflation landscape emerges; for instance, Romania and Slovakia reported significantly higher rates at 8.5% and 4.3%, respectively. This disparity signals potential challenges in achieving cohesive monetary stability across the bloc, as elevated inflation in certain member states could affect overall policy effectiveness. As the euro area adapts to these variances, the broader implications for economic cohesion in the region warrant careful observation.
This morning, Eurostat reported that annual inflation in the euro area is anticipated to decline to 1.7% in January 2026, down from 2.0% in December. Key components such as services and food show varied inflation rates compared to last month.
This morning, Eurostat released flash estimates indicating a 0.3% increase in GDP for both the euro area and the EU in Q4 2025. Year-on-year growth stands at 1.3% for the euro area and 1.5% for the EU. Employment rose by 0.2% in the same quarter.
The FT reports that it has seen an informal paper that the UK government has circulated outlining its plans for a multilateral fund that would support weapons stockpiles and military equipment across the continent.
Donald Trump indicated that Elon Musk would leave his government position as a special employee by the end of May, although it remains uncertain if this will occur as scheduled.
The world’s major economies vow retaliation against US tariffs set to be introduced today (21:00 BST).
A look at the market jitters ahead of the new round of US tariffs – with US media speculating it is set to be a blanket 20% tariff on all non-American goods.
The FT looks at investors and says they are “flocking to gold as fears mount on eve of Trump tariff announcement.”
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