Bahrain faces devaluation or default risk from Hormuz closure

Bahrain risks a currency devaluation or sovereign default if the Strait of Hormuz stays shut, Capital Economics warns, with central bank reserves down from $6bn in March to just over $2bn by June and no alternative export route.

Kazakhstan manufacturing conditions decline to worst degree since March 2022, PMI shows

Sharpest fall in new orders in two and a half years. Confidence lowest in more than six years.

Romanian manufacturing PMI reaches expansion territory for first time in two years

Romania’s manufacturing sector showed signs of stabilisation in July, with the BCR Romania Manufacturing PMI rising above the 50-point threshold.

Singapore’s reserve managers GIC, Temasek, MAS deliver long-term returns

The trio's investment returns directly fund national public services via the Net Investment Returns Contribution, which remains the single-largest source of Singapore government revenue.

Russia’s manufacturing PMI reaches 18-month high as domestic demand offsets export weakness

Russia's manufacturing sector expanded at its fastest pace in 18 months in July as stronger domestic demand lifted output and new orders, although weakening exports, fuel shortages and deteriorating business confidence pointed to a fragile recovery.

Czech PMI drops slightly to 52.2 in July

The PMI index has remained on or above the 50 point mark separating growth and decline since February, the longest such stretch since 2022.

PMI shows Turkish manufacturers enduring tough start to second half of year

Muted demand environment exacerbated by war in Middle East.

Turkey releases official July inflation at 32% y/y

Taken with the rounding of decimals, the rate has not budged since April.

Poland’s WIG20 hits highest-ever closing level of 3,920 points

Żabka takeover news drives record trading volume on Warsaw Stock Exchange.

Central bank holds Azerbaijan's key rate at 6.5%

Central Bank of Azerbaijan left its refinancing rate unchanged, even as it raised its inflation forecasts for 2026 and 2027.

Ukraine less births than Kyrgyzstan this year as Central Europe's demographic crisis deepens

Ukraine is on track to record fewer births this year than Kyrgyzstan for the first time - a reversal from the end of the Soviet Union, when Ukraine's newborns outnumbered Kyrgyzstan's five to one.

Ukraine's central bank raises key rate to 15.5% as inflation risks build

The National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) raised its key policy rate to 15.5% from 15% on July 30, ending a hold that had lasted since March and reversing the rate-cutting cycle it opened at the start of the year, the central bank said.

Number of people living in each city - OWID

Most of the world’s fastest-growing megacities will soon be in Africa. Many cities across East Asia and Latin America have grown quickly over the last few decades.

Taiwan shares slide again, heading to worst monthly decline ever

The Taiex has now fallen more than 6,192 points in July, and is on course for its largest monthly points decline on record.

Japanese yen jumps past 158 against dollar

Japanese authorities are believed to have last intervened in the foreign exchange market between April and May, selling US dollars and buying yen.

Uzbekistan's 1H foreign trade reaches $41bn as trade deficit widens to $9.3bn

Exports decline 9%, imports move up 21%.

Bosnians lose faith in government but support for EU membership stays strong

Trust in Bosnia's institutions falls as concerns over corruption, the economy and political instability weigh on public sentiment, while support for European Union membership remains resilient, a new survey shows.

Azerbaijan's central bank sees no major risk to macro stability despite oil price swings

Hungary's tourism slips in June as intense summer heat, strong forint weigh on travel

The sector retains significant long-term growth potential but faces mounting challenges.

Albania targets 4% growth in 2026

Albania’s economy is continuing to expand on a stable trajectory, with stronger tax collection, rising employment and increased business activity supporting growth, Finance Minister Petrit Malaj said.