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.

Romania's eCommerce market reached approximately €8.1 billion in 2025 and could exceed €8.5 billion in 2026. However, growth is entering a more competitive phase than in previous years, according to a report by MerchantPro.
Foundever, a customer experience service provider, has opened a new office in Bucharest, marking expansion in Romania and CEE. The company plans to grow its local team to over 140 employees throughout 2026, with current capacity for 180 workstations and room for further expansion.
The National Road Investment Company (CNIR) has submitted documentation to the National Public Procurement Agency for the tender of an Express Road connecting the A0 Bucharest North Motorway to the future Terminal 2 of Henri Coandă-Otopeni International Airport. The estimated investment value exceeds RON 400 million (€80 million).
Romanians work some of the longest hours in Europe, with an average of 38.8 hours per week surpassing the European Union average according to Eurostat.
Alive Capital, a green energy supplier and integrated services platform for renewable energy producers, has signed a collaboration agreement with Sieyuan Electric.