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 Q1 of 2026 marks a shift in economic pressure from small businesses to larger companies with significant economic impact.
Premier Restaurants Romania, the operator of McDonald's restaurants in Romania, has launched a national recruitment campaign as part of its expansion plans. The company aims to create over 500 new jobs in 2026, with more than 1,400 positions planned over the next three years.
Sphera Franchise Group, Romania's largest food service group, reported consolidated sales of €75.6 million in Q1 2026, up 4.2% compared to the same period last year. Growth was driven by the return to positive performance of KFC Romania and the strong evolution of Taco Bell.
Romanian travellers are turning the 1 June long weekend into an early-summer getaway moment, according to Kiwi.com booking data.
Hidroelectrica has signed a contract for the turnkey development of the Tudor Vladimirescu Photovoltaic Power Plant in Brăila County, marking a step in the company's strategy to diversify its renewable energy generation portfolio.