
'Sustainable footing': Steel's mid-year budget sticks with surplus forecast
Risks to bottom line include schools funding, public sector wages.

Risks to bottom line include schools funding, public sector wages.
Analysts expect him to emerge from post-election negotiations at the head of a new coalition.

Rising euro, falling inflation in focus at ECB meetingEstelle.BronkhorstThu, 02/05/2026 - 06:00 BRUSSELS - A rising euro and falling inflation will present fresh challenges for the European Central Bank at its meeting on Thursday, potentially reviving debate about if and when policymakers should start cutting interest rates.There is little doubt that the central bank for the 21-nation single-currency area will keep its benchmark rate on hold at two percent for its fifth straight meeting.But a marked strengthening of the euro last week, followed by news that eurozone inflation eased to 1.7 percent in January -- below the ECB's two-percent target -- will invite questions about whether rate cuts are on the horizon.A stronger currency makes imports cheaper, which could drive inflation down even further -- potentially leading consumers to delay purchases, with negative ripple effects across the economy.But a strong euro can also weigh on the eurozone's crucial exporters, particularly Germany, as it makes the cost of companies' goods pricier overseas.It could thus hit the eurozone economy at a time growth is starting to get back on track, potentially undermining efforts to close the gap with China and the United States.ECB President Christine Lagarde has at recent meetings emphasised that the central bank is in a "good place", seen as indicating that policymakers are happy with the current level of rates.But for Carsten Brzeski, an economist at ING, recent market developments "have started to make the ECB's 'good place' a little less comfortable". "The weakening of the US dollar and hence the strengthening of the euro have led to some unease at the bank," he noted.The euro has been gaining ground for some time, in particular due to worries about US President Donald Trump's volatile policies, from levelling tariffs against trading partners to threatening to seize Greenland.But it extended gains sharply last week as investors sold off the dollar, briefly hitting a four-and-a-half-year high above $1.20.

Nigeria’s recent tax cooperation agreement with France, facilitated through the Federal Inland Revenue Service (now the Nigeria Revenue Service), hasread more Tax, sovereignty and the risks of outsourcing state power

Landmark collaboration aims to unlock large-scale climate finance for over 3 million coconut farmers through Carbon Markets 2.0 DAVOS, Switzerland, Feb. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Confederation of Coconut Farmers Organizations of the Philippines (CONFED) and EcoGuard Global AG have...

The UAE real estate market's growth is fueled by population influx and regulatory maturity, with 70% of residents planning to buy property, signaling robust demand into 2026
SENSEX falls over 300 points, NIFTY50 below 25,700 paced by losses in metal stocks UpstoxSensex Today | Nifty50 | Stock Market Live Updates: Sensex slips over 400 pts, Nifty below 25,650; metal ... The Economic TimesSensex down 400 pts, Nifty below 25,650: Weak global cues among key factors behind market decline MoneycontrolStock market today: Nifty50 opens in red; BSE Sensex down over 150 points Times of IndiaSensex declines 278.72 points in early trade; Nifty down 94.15 points Telegraph India

Stock Market Today: Indian markets paused after the recent rally, opening lower as investors reassessed valuations amid weak global cues, tech stock pressure, and key earnings, while volatility stayed subdued.
SYDNEY: Asian stocks slumped on Thursday as concerns about the exploding costs of AI investment encouraged a rotation out of tech, while a renewed slide in silver squeezed leveraged positions that were already under water. Read full story

Indian benchmarks are set for a muted open on Thursday, a day after the indices notched a third straight session of gains

Reliance’s Industries’ CMD Mukesh Ambani expressed optimism on India getting a large share of global GDP over time.

KARACHI – Gold prices are likely to see further fluctuation on Thursday in international market while there is a public...