... contracts), orders excluding transportation rose by 0.2% month-over-month, indicating solid business investments. Additionally, the number of initial unemployment claims fell to a three-month low, reflecting a healthy labor market. Investors are positively assessing progress in external trade and easing inflationary pressures. The conclusion of a trade deal with Japan and the anticipated US–EU agreement on tariffs alleviate some geopolitical uncertainty, supporting the markets. At the same time, the rate ...

... earnings season. Europe: Modest Growth and Trade Negotiations European stock markets wrapped up the week predominantly neutrally. The pan-European STOXX 600 index hovered around 547 points on Friday, showing virtually no change for the week. Investors are assessing mixed signals: on the one hand, some corporate reports were encouraging, while on the other, macroeconomic data remains ambiguous. In Germany, the Ifo business climate index unexpectedly edged up in July (to 88.6 points from 88.4 in June), although ...

... The effect of the August ban on gasoline exports in Russia and subsequent government actions (lifting or prolonging restrictions past August 31) will impact both domestic fuel prices and available export volumes from Russia. Investors and traders will assess whether retail prices in the country have stabilized, and whether the restrictions will lead to shortages or, conversely, to excess gasoline supply in the domestic market.

... supplier of gas and oil to Europe, effectively displacing Russian resources. Shares of major American LNG exporting companies (such as Cheniere, Venture Global) have already responded with a rise of 7-9%, factoring in expected stable demand from Europe. Assessments and Skepticism: Some analysts doubt that the EU can physically fulfill such purchase volumes. European companies operate under market conditions, and a sharp increase in imports from the U.S. is only feasible with a substantial increase in ...

..., green technologies, and more. Thus, the deal is mutually beneficial: Europe receives guarantees of energy security and predictability, while the US gains market expansion and investment influx. Leaders on both sides of the Atlantic have positively assessed the agreement. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that this pact would bring the much-needed stability and predictability for businesses in the EU and the US. The Chancellor of Germany welcomed the reduction of American ...