UK new car sales climbed 7.1% year-over-year to 160,662 units in May 2026, the strongest May performance since 2019, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Private buyer demand led the growth, with registrations jumping 17.2% as consumers took advantage of competitive offers from a record range of brands and a 6.4% increase in model choices, including a 25.6% rise in battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales year-to-date. Fleet demand grew modestly by 1.8%, accounting for 57.1% of all registrations, while the smaller business sector declined by 18.8%, though the volume drop was marginal (720 units). Consumer demand continued to shift toward new technologies, with petrol and diesel car registrations falling by 7.1% and 2.2%, respectively. Hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) uptake rose 1.8%, plug-in hybrid deliveries surged 23.9% to capture a 13.8% market share, and BEV registrations increased 34.2%, reaching a 27.3% market share, the highest recorded in 2026 so far.

Turkey’s trade deficit narrowed to USD 5.6 billion in May 2026 from USD 6.6 billion in the same month a year earlier, according to preliminary data from the Trade Ministry. This marks the smallest trade gap since August last year, as exports fell less than imports. Exports declined 9.3% year-on-year to USD 22.5 billion, driven by lower shipments of raw materials (-4.2%), consumer goods (-18.8%), and investment goods (-18.7%). Germany remained the top export destination, followed by the US and Italy. Meanwhile, imports dropped 10.7% to USD 28.1 billion, weighed by decreased purchases of raw materials (-3.9%), consumer goods (-30.1%), and investment goods (-18.4%). China remained the leading source of imports, followed by Russia and Germany. Considering the first five months of the year, the trade deficit widened to USD 42.7 billion from USD 41.1 billion in the same period a year earlier, as imports rose 1.2% while exports increased a slower 0.3%.

Spain’s industrial production increased by 2.0% year-over-year in April 2026, matching market expectations and following an upwardly revised 1.9% rise in March. Energy production rebounded with a 2.4% gain, reversing March’s 1.9% decline, while capital goods output grew 3.6% (up from 3.3%) and intermediate goods rose 2.1% (from 2.0%). However, non-durable consumer goods production nearly stalled at 0.1% (down from 4.1%), and durable consumer goods output continued to decline, falling 6.6% for the second consecutive month.

European stocks traded higher on Thursday, with the STOXX 50 rising 0.5% and the STOXX 600 gaining 0.4%, supported by a slight decline in oil prices and improved hopes for a broader agreement with Iran. Sentiment was lifted after the US said Israel and Lebanon had agreed to a ceasefire, contingent on Hezbollah also ceasing hostilities. LVMH (+2.0%), L’Oréal (+1.5%), Hermès (+1.9%) and SAP (+3.6%) all moved higher. B&M European Value (6.5%) extended gains for a second session to top the STOXX 600 while Puma (5.9%) and Capgemini (5.4%) were also among the top performers. Meanwhile, global technology and AI-related stocks came under pressure following a weaker outlook from Broadcom. ASML slipped 0.2%, while Infineon declined 2.8% and STMicroelectronics slumped 3.5%. Vivendi sank more than 5%, as Europe's second-highest court on Wednesday ?ruled against the company in ?its fight against EU charges for closing ?its 2023 acquisition ?of publisher Lagardere before regulatory approval.

Consumer prices in Switzerland rose by 0.6% year-on-year in May 2026, falling short of market expectations for a 0.8% gain but the same pace as in the previous month. The latest reading remained the fastest rise since December 2024, largely driven by higher costs for housing and energy (at 1.5%) and transport (2% vs 1.2% in April). Prices also increased for education (at 2.6%), restaurant and hotels (1% vs 0.3%), and insurance and financial services (2.1% vs 1.2%). In contrast, costs declined for food and non-alcoholic beverages (-1.2% vs -0.8%), clothing and footwear (-1.2% vs 0.2%), and household goods and services (-1.3% vs -2.2%), while inflation softened for recreation, sport and culture (1.2% vs 2%). Monthly, the CPI went up by 0.2% in May, slightly below forecasts and April’s 0.3% gain. Annual core inflation, which excludes volatile items such as unprocessed food and energy, increased by 0.3%, the same with the prior period’s pace and still the softest rise since July 2021.

Consumer prices in Sweden increased 0.8% year-on-year in May 2026, rebounding from a 0.1% decline in the previous month and surpassing market forecasts of a 0.5% increase, according to preliminary estimates. It was the highest inflation rate since October 2025, mainly driven by higher energy and services prices. Transport costs increased at a faster pace (6.0% vs 5.2% in April), amid rising energy prices caused by the Middle East conflict, while housing and utilities rebounded (2.6% vs -0.1%). In contrast, food prices declined further (-6.3% vs -5.7%). On a monthly basis, consumer prices advanced 1.0%, following a 0.6% decline in April, exceeding forecasts of a 0.7% increase and marking the fastest rise since June 2023. Meanwhile, the CPI with a fixed interest rate (CPIF), the Riksbank’s target measure, climbed 1.5% year-on-year in May, above expectations of a 1.3% increase and accelerating from April’s 0.8% rise, which was the softest increase since December 2020.