The Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) has released its Monthly Industrial Survey of Physical Production (PIM-PF) for December 2025, showing a 1.2% retreat in industrial output. This data provides crucial insights into the performance of Brazil's mining and manufacturing sectors.
The European Parliament's International Trade Committee has rejected Switzerland's request for an exemption from new EU steel tariffs. The new framework, set to replace existing safeguard measures in June 2026, will cap duty-free steel imports at 18.3 million tonnes annually and impose a 50% tariff on out-of-quota imports. Switzerland argues its steel industry does not contribute to global overcapacity and is vital for regional supply chains.
Volvo Construction Equipment has completed its acquisition of Swecon from Lantmännen, a strategic move to strengthen its retail and service operations across Sweden, Germany, and the Baltic countries. The deal, valued at SEK 7 billion, integrates Swecon's extensive sales, rental, and aftermarket services, along with approximately 1,400 employees, into Volvo CE's operations.
Hungary's economy expanded by a modest 0.3% in 2025, according to the Hungarian Central Statistical Office. This sluggish performance comes as Prime Minister Viktor Orbán prepares for the highly anticipated parliamentary elections scheduled for April 2026, where he faces a significant challenge from the opposition Tisza party.
Iceland's annual inflation rate rose to 5.2% in January 2026, up from 4.5% in December, marking its highest level since September 2024. The increase was primarily driven by changes in vehicle-related taxes and rising food prices, prompting concern from the Prime Minister.
India's Economic Survey 2025-26, tabled by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, projects economic growth between 6.8% and 7.2% for fiscal year 2026-27. The report highlights India's position as the fastest-growing major economy amidst global uncertainties.
Spain's industrial sector is forecast to be the primary driver of job growth in 2026, contributing to an estimated 450,000 new jobs. This surge is expected to help reduce the national unemployment rate to around 10.2%, building on a positive economic trajectory.
The Federal Reserve's Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) has decided to maintain the federal funds rate target range at 3.5% to 3.75% following its January 2026 meeting. The decision, supported by a 10-2 vote, comes as the U.S. economy shows 'solid' growth, despite inflation remaining 'somewhat elevated'. The FOMC also reaffirmed its Statement on Longer-Run Goals and Monetary Policy Strategy.
Italy's benchmark FTSEMIB index closed positively on January 27, 2026, gaining 1.09% to reach 45,440 points. The rise was fueled by investor optimism surrounding a new EU-India trade agreement and anticipation of the US Federal Reserve's policy decision.
India's Parliament began its Budget Session on January 28, 2026, with President Droupadi Murmu addressing a joint sitting of both Houses. Her speech highlighted India's robust economic growth, controlled inflation, and progress in social welfare and infrastructure, setting the stage for the upcoming Economic Survey and Union Budget.
Dutch consumer confidence declined in January 2026, dropping to -23 from -21 in December, according to Statistics Netherlands (CBS). This figure remains significantly below the 20-year average of -11, driven by increased pessimism regarding the economic climate and a reduced willingness to make purchases.
Absa, in partnership with HEINEKEN Beverages, has launched a significant R1.2 billion funding programme in South Africa. This initiative aims to provide a crucial lifeline to Black-owned Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) facing financial distress amidst challenging economic conditions, offering both capital and comprehensive support services.
Senator John Owan Enoh, Nigeria's Minister of State for Industry, has called for an urgent halt to importing goods the nation can produce. Speaking at an economic summit, he emphasized strengthening domestic manufacturing, creating jobs, and leveraging the 'Nigeria-First' procurement policy.
The S&P 500 is reporting mixed Q4 2025 earnings, with a blended year-over-year growth rate of 8.2-8.3%, marking the tenth consecutive quarter of expansion. While positive earnings surprises are common, their magnitude is below recent averages. Technology leads sector growth, while Consumer Discretionary lags.
The Bank of Japan released its 'Outlook for Economic Activity and Prices' following its January 2026 Monetary Policy Meeting, keeping its key short-term interest rate at 0.75%. The central bank projects moderate economic growth and anticipates underlying inflation to gradually align with its 2% target in the latter half of the projection period, supported by government measures and accommodative financial conditions.
Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party is considering a two-year suspension of the 8% consumption tax on food and beverage items. This proposal, part of its official pledges for the upcoming House of Representatives election, aims to alleviate the burden of rising living costs, though it could lead to an estimated 5 trillion yen annual reduction in government revenue.
The UK's Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation rate increased to 3.4% in December 2025, up from 3.2% in November. This marks the first rise in five months and surpasses market expectations, complicating the Bank of England's efforts to reach its 2% target. Key drivers included higher prices for alcohol, tobacco, and airfares.
Argentina's Economy Minister Luis Caputo announced a permanent reduction in export taxes on major agricultural products, including wheat, corn, and soybeans, effective December 2025. This move aims to stimulate the vital agricultural sector, enhance competitiveness, and increase foreign currency inflows.
Statistics Canada reported that the annual inflation rate for December 2025 reached 2.4%, an increase from November's 2.2%. This figure surpassed economists' predictions, who largely anticipated the rate to remain steady. The rise is primarily attributed to base effects from a temporary GST/HST break in late 2024.
Belarus's economy expanded by only 1.3% in 2025, significantly missing its ambitious target of 4.1%. The shortfall is largely attributed to a contraction in the manufacturing sector, reduced demand from Russia, and weakening external demand, despite growth in retail trade and agricultural output.
