The latest escalation involving Iran has shifted markets away from “pure macro” indicators—rates, inflation and growth—and back toward geopolitics as a primary driver, according to an analysis by Freedom24.
Freedom24, the European broker connecting retail investors to international exchanges, expanded its Romanian client base by 9% to over 4,300 investors in 2025.
Romanian investors have a strong interest in technology, AI, and cryptocurrency, alongside a strategic allocation to broad-market ETFs and high-yield bonds.
After two years of significant growth (20%+ in 2023 and 2024), the S&P 500's returns are likely to "normalize," with a forecasted rise of 11% to 17% from current levels.
Freedom24 is the European subsidiary of the NASDAQ-listed Freedom Holding Corp, an international investment group with expertise in the USA, Europe and Central Asia.
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.
Hidroelectrica signed a €188.5 million contract for the refurbishment of Râul Mare Retezat Hydropower Plant. The project aims to modernize and improve the efficiency of the company's generation capacities.
Vastint Romania has announced a new leasing contract with Arcadis Romania, which will occupy 1,183 sqm in building A of Business Garden Bucharest. The global design, engineering and consultancy company joins a growing community of international tenants at the development.
E.ON has successfully issued two tranches of green bonds worth €1.3 billion, bringing its total funding since the beginning of the year to €4.3 billion.