Week of 17 August 2026
Weekly markets 17 08 2026
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Europe's brutal summer takes centre stage this week: five heatwaves and record heat, linked to over 25,000 deaths, are on track to wipe out almost all of the EU's expected 1.1% GDP growth this year. We cover the fallout across shipping, hydropower and nuclear output as rivers run dry, plus wildfires that have already cost France billions. Closer to home, UK food inflation has fallen to a two-year low despite rising energy costs from the Iran conflict, as supermarkets fight hard on price to protect market share. We also look at the return of "office chic," with Ralph Lauren and Coach both posting double-digit revenue growth as workers swap athleisure for tailoring.
