European Business Briefing — January 12, 2026
Your daily intelligence on markets, power, technology and money across Europe.
The world economy is starting 2026 on unstable footing, with slowing growth in China, sticky inflation in the US and renewed geopolitical risk across Europe and the Middle East. Markets are increasingly driven by politics as much as by data, with investors watching central banks, wars and elections more closely than earnings.
Global investors are repositioning portfolios for a year defined by volatility rather than expansion.
Cyber-Enabled Fraud Becomes a Top Global Threat
Cyber-enabled financial crime is now one of the most pervasive global risks facing banks, companies and governments, according to new research featured by EBM. Criminal networks are increasingly using AI, deepfakes and social engineering to target payments, crypto wallets and corporate accounts.
For European businesses, this is no longer an IT issue — it is a balance-sheet and reputational risk.
Trump’s Midterm Fears Shake US Policy
Markets are reacting to a wave of fresh US policy announcements as President Trump looks to shore up political support ahead of midterm elections. New trade, tech and regulatory proposals are already triggering volatility in currencies, defence stocks and global supply chains.
For Europe, this raises fresh questions about trade, technology regulation and security cooperation.
The Evolution of Futures Trading
Modern proprietary trading firms are transforming how individuals and small firms access global financial markets. Digital platforms and funded trader models are reshaping futures, FX and derivatives trading — opening up markets once reserved for large institutions.
What Investors Are Watching Today
• Global economic data
• Cybersecurity and fintech stocks
• US trade and tech policy
• Volatility in futures and derivatives markets
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The daily intelligence report from European Business Magazine.
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