Browsing: Business

– The World Trade Organization has increased its 2026 forecast for worldwide merchandise trade growth to 3.9 percent. This is a significant rise from the 1.9 percent estimate issued in March. The WTO explained that stronger trade figures in the

– France and Germany are urging the European Commission to develop a swift-response mechanism for tackling serious market disruptions. French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz submitted their proposal to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Their joint

– On October 5, the UK five-year fixed mortgage average rate reached 6.00%, a level last observed around three years ago. The typical two-year fixed rate increased to 5.98%, hitting its highest point since mid-December 2023. Moneyfacts reported this rise

– Russia anticipates its 2026 grain harvest will reach approximately 140 million tonnes as farmers conclude the season’s final phase. Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev reported that farmers have already gathered over 126 million tonnes of grain. By October 2,

– Euro area unemployment remained steady at 6.4% in August 2026, matching July’s rate, reports Eurostat. The figure was 6.3% in August 2025. The European Union also kept its unemployment rate at 6.1% for the second consecutive month, compared to

– European Union house prices increased by 4.7% in the second quarter of 2026 compared to the same period last year. Rents also rose by 3.0%, pushing upward trends across the entire bloc. Eurostat noted that house prices grew by

– Russia has established a goal of producing 662 million tonnes of coal annually by 2050 as part of a newly approved industry development plan. This target is included in Russia’s revised coal expansion strategy. In 2024, coal output was

Moody Ratings has reaffirmed the European Union top AAA credit rating with a stable outlook. This confirms that the 27-nation bloc continues to hold the highest level of creditworthiness. Its strength comes from a solid institutional framework and strong fiscal

– The Portuguese Government has officially sanctioned a capital investment of around 420 million euros aimed at broadening municipal light rail and bus rapid transit systems across the northern metropolitan area. This government decision permits extending the Porto Metro network

As maritime authorities observe World Maritime Day, global shipping networks face extraordinary operational threats. The International Maritime Organization in London emphasized that wider geopolitical tensions directly impact commercial shipping. These tensions have disrupted vital supply chains and increased dangers for