Barclays' profits rose, but loan losses weighed on its first-quarter results. At the same time, oil giant BP’s earnings jumped, largely driven by an exceptional oil trading boom linked to the Iran war.
Spain has proposed a new EU common borrowing mechanism worth up to €850 billion annually to create a benchmark safe asset, reduce financing costs for European firms, and strengthen the euro. The plan, to be presented by Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo, faces opposition from Germany and the Netherlands but has support from France and Greece. Spain suggests a voluntary "European Sovereign Facility" with potential for a "coalition of the willing" if not all members participate.
Uzbekistan is implementing a multi-billion-dollar strategy to boost its export economy by processing more agricultural goods, metals, and minerals domestically. Key targets include $10bn in food processing by 2030 and significant investments in technological metals and steel localization, aiming to increase national revenue and economic security.
Large app companies are lobbying for changes to app store regulations, arguing fees are too high. However, the article contends most small developers pay little or nothing, benefiting from secure ecosystems. The CMA is urged to reform where needed without undermining the successful app economy.
The US oil and gas industry, with White House backing, is lobbying the EU to delay new methane emission regulations for natural gas imports. The industry argues the rules are technically unfeasible and could disrupt supply, while climate advocates fear it undermines efforts to combat climate change.
Morocco's olive oil exports to Spain saw a dramatic 9,979% increase between early 2025 and early 2026, rising from 103 tonnes to over 10,000 tonnes. This surge, driven by a strong Moroccan harvest and preferential EU trade terms, reversed the trade balance, with Spain now importing more than it exports to Morocco. Despite the jump, Moroccan oil still represents a small fraction of Spain's total imports and domestic production.
Morocco's olive oil exports to Spain saw a dramatic 9,979% increase between early 2025 and early 2026, jumping from 103 to over 10,000 tonnes. While a significant rise, Moroccan oil still represents a small fraction of the Spanish market, which is also experiencing a production decline.
