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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 US is increasing pressure on Russia, threatening further tariffs on its oil exports if a ceasefire agreement in Ukraine isn’t reached.
Stock markets in Asia and Europe have declined sharply as the 2 April implementation of US tariffs on imports approaches, with Japan’s Nikkei index dropping nearly 4% and the UK’s FTSE 100 reaching a two-week low.
Steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal is preparing to leave the UK in response to a government crackdown on non-domiciled residents, making him one of the wealthiest entrepreneurs to move because of the tax reform.
The Atlantic magazine has published more excerpts of the Trump administration’s group chat on Signal that detail timings of military strikes in Yemen.
Rachel Reeves faces the prospect of her newly-restored fiscal headroom being wiped out again ahead of the Autumn budget.
City AM reports MPs and voters will “hear more” from the Chancellor on welfare cuts at the Spring Statement, the defence secretary has said.
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