Eurozone companies expect a 5.8% increase in costs, including energy, over the coming months due to the war in the Middle East, and a 3.5% rise in prices, according to the European Central Bank (ECB). These findings come from a survey of 10,544 eurozone firms conducted between February 19 and April 1. Wage growth expectations moderated to 2.8%, while inflation expectations for the next year rose to 3%. Additionally, firms reported higher bank loan interest rates and tighter access to external financing in the first quarter of 2026.
Companies anticipate 5.8% rise in costs and 3.5% price increase, ECB reports
Monday, 27 April 2026RSS
Context & Explainers
Inflation measures how much general prices rise over time, usually reported year‑on‑year to compare a month with the same month a year earlier. Portugal’s National Institute of Statistics (INE) estimated January inflation at 1.9% year‑on‑year, down 0.3 percentage points from December, which affects rents, wages and everyday purchasing power for residents.
