Browsing: Business

Belgian Consumer Price Index Surpasses Expectations in July, Accelerating Growth

Belgian Consumer Price Index Surpasses Expectations in July, Accelerating Growth Brussels, Belgium / EuroWire / – In July, consumer price inflation in Belgium unexpectedly picked up speed, undoing recent signs of slowing and exerting additional financial strain on households and businesses. Official figures published Thursday by the national statistical agency Statbel show that Belgium’s yearly inflation rate rose to 3.56 percent in July from 3.40 percent in June, surpassing forecasts. This sharp increase exceeded the 3.37 percent estimate from the Federal Planning Bureau, mainly fueled by persistent cost increases in utilities, recreation, and transport sectors. The consumer price index for the month increased by 0.63 percent to reach 103.60 points, up from 102.95 points in June.

Strong Q3 Results Lead Starbucks to Raise Full-Year Guidance

Starbucks Corporation, a global retail coffee chain, announced its fiscal third-quarter 2026 financial results on Wednesday, surpassing Wall Street consensus estimates in both profit measures and sales volume. Market disclosures confirmed that Starbucks stock surged as the company’s efforts to regain third place are paying off, leading to an improved outlook for 2026 and causing share prices to jump more than five percent in after-hours trading on the Nasdaq. The Seattle-based specialty coffee giant posted consolidated net revenues of $9.3 billion for the 13-week period ending June 28, 2026, driven by an 8.1 percent rise in North American store sales and ongoing margin growth across key operational areas.

UAE and Slovakia Strengthen Strategic Partnerships Through High-Level Diplomatic Engagements

UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan shaking hands with Slovak Prime Minister Robert. (Credit – WAM) At the high-level meeting in Bratislava, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and fostering long-term economic and development collaborations. The conversation centered around harnessing emerging opportunities in industrial sectors, digital innovation, and sustainable infrastructure to create new avenues for trade and investment. It highlighted the strategic alignment between the United Arab Emirates and the Slovak Republic in supporting economic diversification, technology transfer, and knowledge-sharing initiatives designed to promote sustainable growth for both nations. Beyond economic priorities, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Prime Minister Robert Fico engaged in comprehensive discussions on regional and international issues of mutual interest. Particular focus was given to security developments across the Middle East, with both leaders emphasizing the importance of strengthening regional stability and promoting diplomatic solutions. The talks underscored the need for international cooperation and dialogue to establish enduring peace that supports global economic security and humanitarian development. Diplomatic Delegation Concentrates on Technology Transfer and Trade Growth The official diplomatic delegation accompanying the UAE President included His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs, and His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Advisor to the UAE President. Senior UAE ministers and government officials participated alongside Slovak cabinet members and diplomatic representatives to evaluate ongoing bilateral programs and identify future

EU Risks Missing Digital Decade Goals Due to Workforce Shortfalls

European member states evaluate vocational training programs to meet enterprise tech demand. Despite this anticipated shortfall, employment figures within the European digital sector have experienced significant long-term growth over the past decade. Eurofound’s data shows that the number of ICT specialists in the EU increased from 5.6 million in 2011 to 10.3 million in 2024, a rise of 81 percent. During the same period, ICT professionals’ share of overall employment in Europe grew from 3 percent to 5 percent. Nonetheless, annual growth rates of 7 percent to 8 percent are still not enough to bridge the gap needed to reach the 20 million target by 2030, as set by European policymakers. Wide disparities in tech employment levels remain across different EU member states. Eurofound’s findings show that in 2024, ICT specialists accounted for 8.6 percent of total employment in Sweden, 8 percent in Luxembourg, and 7.8 percent in Finland. Conversely, in Greece, digital specialists made up just 2.5 percent of the workforce, with Romania slightly higher at 2.8 percent. Growth patterns also differed significantly across the region, with Estonia more than doubling its proportion of ICT workers from 3.4 percent to 7.2 percent between 2011 and 2024, while other countries experienced only minimal increases over the same period. Limited Educational Infrastructure Amplifies Dependence on International Talent A survey of businesses across the EU revealed that in

Oil Prices Jump Over 4% as Brent Crude Surges Past $88

Oil prices surged more than 4% as Brent closed above $88, while reduced Strait of Hormuz traffic tightened Gulf energy flows during the week. The post Oil prices surge 4% as Brent crude closes above $88 appeared first on Arabian Observer: Observe more. Understand Arabia..