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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.
Volvo gives up plan to sell only EVs by 2030 Volvo has scrapped its goal…
Today’s business news – in the UK and beyond amid concerns about the world’s largest economy and the fall in the Asian, US and UK markets.
UK shares dropped on Wednesday morning following falls in Asian and US markets as concerns grow about the US economy – which is the world’s largest.
Data showed US manufacturing activity remains subdued, with investors now focussed on US jobs figures due on Friday.
The pound’s recent strong rally has slowed, with traders looking for direction in a quiet week for UK economic data. Sterling is down 0.2% against the dollar, trading around $1.311, after losing over 1% in the past five days.
The dollar is near a two-week high ahead of key US data, including manufacturing PMI and Friday’s jobs report. These figures will influence whether the US Federal Reserve cuts rates by 25 or 50 basis points in September.
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Analysts at Panmure Liberum believe the UK will outperform other major economies in the coming months, thanks to stronger domestic demand.
Recent PMI data shows the UK saw growth in output and new orders in August, unlike the US and other major European economies.
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