Factory orders edge up in August, slightly better than expected

The Dutch statistics agency CBS revealed that the country's inflation rate increased marginally in August, according to preliminary estimates. This marked a 0.1% rise from the previous month, bringing September's inflation rate to 3.4%. The final figures are expected to be published on October 13. Fuel and energy prices were primarily responsible for the upward trend, with petrol and gas heating costs soaring by 13.9% in September compared to the same period a year earlier.

However, grocery prices showed a slight decline for the second consecutive month, falling by 1.3% over the past year, following a 0.5% decrease in August.