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Quirino Mealha

Markets

Can the market handle SpaceX, OpenAI and Anthropic all at once?

Three of the most valuable companies ever created are going public within months of each other. The combined value of SpaceX, OpenAI and Anthropic could reach $4 trillion (€3.44trn). Wall Street is excited but also nervous.

Economy

Eurozone economy shrinks by 0.2% in the first quarter of 2026

The 21-member euro area has entered negative territory for the first time in over a year, with a dramatic Irish contraction masking more nuanced performances across the bloc's major economies.

Markets

Bitcoin falls to $61,000, down more than 25% as long-term holders sell

Bitcoin has fallen to its lowest level since February, dropping more than 25% this month, as long-term holders liquidate billions in holdings and efforts to advance US crypto regulation face uncertainty in Washington.

Markets

AI giant Broadcom sheds $300bn as outlook misses sky-high expectations

The American chipmaker Broadcom reported a 48% revenue surge and AI semiconductor sales up 143%, but it disappointed investors by not raising its long-term sales target, sending shares tumbling more than 12% in after-hours trading.

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Business

Zara owner Inditex defies Iran war concerns with strong sales

Inditex delivered first-quarter results that exceeded analyst forecasts, with net sales climbing 5.8% to €8.7 billion and the company signalling an even stronger start to the second quarter. The firm's stock has surged over 5%.

Economy

EBRD lowers growth forecast as energy shock hits economies

Economic growth across the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development's regions is expected to slow more sharply than previously forecasted this year, largely due to inflation rising to 6.4% due to the Iran war, which has pushed up energy prices.

Business

Alphabet launches €68bn fundraising drive to accelerate AI expansion

Google's parent company Alphabet is raising $80 billion (€68.7bn) through a series of share offerings, marking one of the largest equity fundraising efforts in corporate history as competition in AI development intensifies.

Markets

Markets gain and oil drops as Trump's peace signals reassure investors

Oil prices retreated around 4% from Monday’s highs as markets responded positively to US President Donald Trump’s reassuring comments that negotiations with Iran are progressing.

Economy

World Cup 2026: The biggest economic prize in sport - or just hype?

With the kick-off less than ten days away, the largest World Cup in history is set to inject tens of billions into the hosting economies. Yet, analysts are estimating that the relative impact will be marginal.

Economy

China's factory activity flatlines casting doubt over the economy

China's manufacturing sector barely held its ground in May, with official data showing activity slipping to its weakest reading in three months as the fallout from the Iran war and entrenched domestic weakness raise fresh doubts about Beijing's growth ambitions.

Economy

ECB rate hike in focus as Eurozone's 'Big Four' post high inflation

Inflation picked up across the EU’s largest economies in May, driven by higher energy prices, fuelling expectations that the ECB will raise interest rates at its June meeting.

Business

FIFA faces US probe over World Cup ticket pricing ahead of the event

The attorneys general of New York and New Jersey have issued subpoenas to FIFA as part of a formal investigation into allegedly deceptive ticketing practices ahead of the 2026 World Cup, with fans reporting sky-high prices.

Business

Dell lands huge Pentagon deal right after Trump said 'go out and buy'

Dell Technologies has secured a $9.7 billion (€8.3bn) defence contract to supply Microsoft software across the entire US military, just weeks after US President Donald Trump publicly endorsed the company at the White House.

Business

Chinese carmakers double EU market share as EVs drive sales growth

New car registrations in Europe grew 4.2% in the first four months of 2026, as traditional European brands maintained their dominance despite Chinese carmakers doubling their share of the EU market.

Markets

Memory chip giants SK Hynix and Micron cross $1 trillion amid AI mania

South Korea's SK Hynix and US chipmaker Micron both surpassed $1 trillion (€860bn) in market capitalisation within 24 hours of each other. Seoul's KOSPI index also hit an all-time high as AI continues to reshape markets.

Markets

Oil steadies at $100 and markets stay volatile as US-Iran talks stall

Brent crude trades at $100 per barrel while European indices drop, Asian stocks close mostly flat and US equities open higher. Markets remain volatile as US-Iran talks stall and President Trump reiterates nuclear demands.

Economy

Five sectors where the EU is critically dependent on Chinese imports

From solar panels to rare earths and industrial robots, Chinese firms have quietly become the dominant, sometimes sole, supplier across a growing number of European industries as fears of another "China shock" rise.

Business

EasyJet probed in Italy over alleged unfair baggage pricing

Italy's competition watchdog has launched a formal investigation into easyJet over claims the airline misled consumers through opaque bundled baggage pricing on its booking platforms.

Business

Finnish smart ring maker Oura plans IPO at over €9 billion valuation

The Finnish company behind the Oura Ring, a wearable health tracking device, is moving towards a Wall Street listing that could become one of the most valuable IPOs of a European firm this year.

Business

German business confidence rises despite Iran war energy shock

German business confidence rose unexpectedly in May, breaking a run of declines linked to the Iran war and offering cautious optimism that Europe's largest economy is proving more resilient than initially feared.

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