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.
Freedom24 aims to increase its Romanian client base by 200% in 2025, targeting from first-time investors to experienced traders.
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.
CEE is transforming from Europe's periphery into a defence industry powerhouse, according to a new KPMG study. The region's combination of cost efficiency, industrial capacity, and strategic location is attracting investment as European defence spending increases.
The EU's downward trend in transport costs ended abruptly in March 2026, with Romania emerging as one of the most heavily impacted member states.
ING Bank Romania reported a 5% increase in total revenue for 2025, surpassing RON 4 billion (€800 million).
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the resulting energy price shock are putting additional pressure on Romania's economy, already affected by the EU's highest inflation, a major fiscal deficit and internal political risks, according to an eToro analysis.
In 2025, Romania recorded one of the highest shares of young entrepreneurs in the EU, with those aged 20–29 accounting for 10.3% of the country's self-employed population.