Finance in brief: Profits, markets, mortgages and the money stories making headlines

Lego reported a 32.3 percent increase in net profit to 8.6 billion Danish crowns for the first half of 2026. Revenue rose 21 percent to a record 41.9 billion crowns, driven by strong sales across major global markets. The company invested 4.6 billion crowns in new factories and purchased 29 Lego and Legoland Discovery Centres. Germany's economy grew by 0.3 percent in the second quarter of 2026, slightly above estimates, though lower than the eurozone and EU averages.

Spain's growth stood at 0.7 percent. Ryanair criticized Spain's Transport Minister over airport charges, calling for reductions to boost regional airport competitiveness. BlackRock Investment Institute favors government bonds, emerging market local currency debt, and European high-yield credit for the near future. Enflame Technologies plans to list on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, raising 6 billion yuan for research, expansion, and supply chain strengthening.

Europe anticipates its most challenging winter gas season since 2022, with gas storage levels below five-year averages. Revolut launched a research division focused on AI for the financial sector, enhancing its Pragma financial AI model. Mercadona registered two typeface designs with the EU Intellectual Property Office to strengthen its brand recognition.

Social media significantly impacts holiday choices, with 39 percent of tourists visiting destinations for photography or video. Bankier has expanded its Irish customer base to 230,000, with a €5.2 billion lending portfolio, including €4 billion in mortgages. Spanish cabin crew may access early retirement without pension reductions under a union's proposal.

The U.S. economy grew 1.5 percent in the second quarter, slowing from 2.1 percent in the first. America's PCE inflation index reached 3.6 percent. Fixed mortgages dominate Spanish homebuying, comprising 61.7 percent of new mortgages in June.