Economic activity contracted slightly in the first quarter, even though the effects of the war in the Middle East will not be felt until the second quarter.

As a matter of fact, 2026 is off to a more promising start, despite a bout of turbulence on the international stage through March. Growth has proved more dynamic than expected. The carry-over for 2026 growth has been revised upwards, and first-quarter domestic demand remains robust, in both household consumption and investment. In such a volatile geopolitical environment, avoiding the worst has become...

The Spanish economy continues to show relatively robust growth in the first half of 2026, supported by private consumption, investment and a dynamic services sector. However, the conflict between the United States and Iran is gradually undermining the macroeconomic environment, driven by rising energy prices, a slowdown in global trade and tighter financial conditions. Against this backdrop, domestic...

The beginning of the year was encouraging for the UK economy with a rebound in GDP of 0.6% QoQ in Q126, stronger than expected, which has led us to revise upwards our forecast for average annual growth by 0.3 percentage points to 1.1%.

First, we must make assumptions about the conflict in the Persian Gulf, which in turn shapeq the energy price scenario that feeds into inflation forecasts; then we must assess any second-round effects; and finally, we must map out growth trajectories. 

The succession of recent crises – the Covid pandemic, the war in Ukraine and now the conflict in the Middle East – has put energy back at the top of the agenda, no longer solely from an environmental perspective but as a fundamental driver of Europe’s economic power, with major implications for sovereignty and industrial competitiveness. 

In previous industrial revolutions, technological breakthroughs and technological progress have been engines of prosperity, stimulating economic growth by significantly boosting productivity.

Growth in the Spanish economy remains solid at the start of 2026, although it is showing signs of moderating in a more uncertain international environment. Domestic demand – underpinned by private consumption and investment – remains the main driver of economic activity, buoyed by a labour market that remains dynamic and by the impetus of public policies. At the same time, the external sector is making a...

Economic activity slowed in 2025, whilst remaining resilient in a context of high uncertainty and rising trade tensions. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has already resulted in higher energy prices and renewed geopolitical uncertainty. Under the assumption of a very gradual reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, without a return to normal conditions, consumer prices would accelerate on average in...