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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 lead story for the Financial Times reports that former US President Donald Trump has a strong lead over current US President Joe Biden on the topic of the economy. The economy is usually the main concern for US voters – along with immigration.
The front page of the London business newspaper, City AM, says Kemi Badenoch is under pressure from a top City group to revive a sweeping shake-up of audit rules after the government shelved many of its reform plans last year.
The front page of the London business newspaper City AM reports on the Barratt-Redrow merger. The paper says the £2.5bn merger of two of the UK’s largest housebuilders sent shockwaves through the market.
The paper says shares in major FTSE 100 and 250 housebuilders suffered a mixed day on the London market, as the surprise merger highlighted investors’ skewed opinions on the state of UK housing.
The front page of the business paper The Financial Times reports on Sir Keir Starmer’s U-turn on green pledges. The Labour leader has confirmed that if his party is elected to power at the next general election (expected later this year) they will slash the green spending plan due to ‘frail finances’ after 13 years of Conservative power.
In a transaction valued at £700 million, Barclays is buying Tesco’s retail banking operations, marking a significant deal for the supermarket giant.
The Financial Times reports on a £2.5bn deal by Barratt to purchase Redrow – a deal the paper says cements the company’s place as the UK’s largest house-building firm.
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