Gold Rush 2.0: Ultimate safe haven in face of geopolitical fragmentation
Gold continues to be a key safe-haven asset resulting in sustained upward pressure on prices.
Gold continues to be a key safe-haven asset resulting in sustained upward pressure on prices.
Only half of the CEE countries saw an increase in turnover among the top 500 companies, revealing disparities in economic performance.
While the US economy looks set for a soft landing, the eurozone continues to face many uncertainties, particularly in the industrial sector.
Despite €3 billion mobilised through the European Battery Alliance created in 2017, only 3% of the investment needed in the battery supply chain has been made.
In the first 6 months of 2024, 68,223 new companies were registered, this being the lowest value in recent semesters, including the first semester of 2019.
Nine countries experienced a higher number of insolvencies, and three countries recorded a decrease (Bulgaria, Croatia and Latvia).
Construction and real estate sectors are among the most cyclical sectors. Sensitive to changes in the labour market, prices and the interest rate, they are currently under strain.

Electro-Alfa International, a Romanian electrical equipment manufacturer, has announced plans for an Initial Public Offering (IPO) on the Bucharest Stock Exchange (BVB).
Global life sciences M&A activity increased by 81% in 2025 to $240 billion, driven by Big Pharma's large-scale deals, despite fewer overall transactions. The surge reflects companies prioritising innovations ready for launch as they face widening growth gaps.
Romania's Ministry of Finance will conduct its first public offering of Fidelis government bonds for 2026 between January 16 and 23 on the Bucharest Stock Exchange. This marks the 32nd offering since the Fidelis program resumed in July 2020.
Romania's final electricity consumption fell by 0.7% in the first 11 months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, according to data published by the National Institute of Statistics (INS).
Romania has the second-lowest consumer prices in the European Union, with costs 36% below the EU average in 2024, according to new Eurostat data released in December 2025.