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ZEW Sentiment Surges to 26.3 in Germany

Germany’s ZEW Economic Sentiment jumped to 26.3 in July 2026, driven by stronger export-oriented industries and resilient domestic demand, while the automotive sector remained weak and upside risks from Iran tensions and higher oil prices linger. The Eurozone mood also improved, with the euro-area ZEW sentiment at 23.4, signaling broader optimism alongside Germany’s ongoing reforms, though uncertainties remain.

10 sources

Photo: Stephen Craven / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Wickes Q2 Sales Growth Reinforces Full-Year Outlook

Wickes posted a 2.3% rise in Q2 group revenue with Retail back to growth and TradePro expanding, while the Design & Installation arm maintained five straight quarters of delivered sales growth and click-and-collect/delivery up as customers stay cautious on large bespoke kitchens. The retailer kept its FY26 adjusted profit guidance intact, reinforced by a strong balance sheet with about £152 million net cash, ongoing store refurbishments and planned openings, and expectations of productivity gains and lower business rates supporting profitability.

7 sources

UK unemployment holds at 4.9% in May

UK unemployment stayed at 4.9% for the three months to May 2026, even as payroll data showed a drop in company payrolls and vacancies continued to ease, pointing to a mixed jobs picture. Wages remained firm, with regular pay at about 3.4% and total pay higher, while employment rose overall and second jobs increased, underscoring a still-tight but gradually softening labor market.

17 sources