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.

Romanian companies represent 53% of the top 5,000 companies in Romania, but figures show significant differences between the country's regions.
Raiffeisen Bank Romania ended 2025 with strong results, recording 22% growth in new clients compared to 2024.
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) invested a record €955 million in 37 projects in Romania in 2025, up from €707 million for 44 projects the previous year.
Dan Timotin, General Manager of beer maker Ursus Breweries since July 2025, will leave the company at the end of February 2025, according to a company statement.
Vista Bank Romania has signed an agreement to acquire 100% of the shares in Investimental, a financial investment services company.