Bénin - Note de diagnostic pays - Avril 2026

• Escalating hostilities between the United States and Iran, alongside the renewed closure of the Strait of Hormuz, have disrupted the flow of crude oil and refined products from the Persian Gulf. • These geopolitical tensions have pushed base oil and energy prices to steeper levels due to supply chain instability.

• European stock indices closed with collective gains on July 22, despite a rise in energy prices. • The positive trend was driven by investor optimism and market dynamics across major European exchanges.

• VZ Holding, a Swiss financial consultancy and wealth manager, has reported its final results highlighting a tech-enabled platform and a fee-based advisory model. • The company has successfully captured market share from established Swiss private banks, achieving an average earnings per share (EPS) growth rate of 11% per annum over the last decade.

• European shares rose on Tuesday, driven by strong performance in the technology and mining sectors. • These gains helped offset market concerns regarding rising oil prices triggered by fresh strikes in the Middle East.

• Tryg A/S stock has remained steady as investors anticipate the company's upcoming financial results. • The Nordic non-life insurance group, listed on Nasdaq Copenhagen and part of the OMX Copenhagen 25 index, is being evaluated on its revenue growth and underwriting margins.

• Alphabet reported second-quarter earnings on Wednesday, beating revenue expectations despite the company's stock price declining following the announcement. • The stock dip is primarily attributed to investor concerns over a projected increase in capital expenditures (capex) heading into 2026.

• European shares reached a two-week high on Wednesday, driven by strong corporate results and a boost in energy stocks. • Ryanair shares dropped 1.88% to €24.58 following reports that the European Union is considering a review of airline ownership rules.

• The BSE Sensex plummeted 715 points and the Nifty50 closed below 24,000 on Tuesday, marking the second consecutive session of losses for Indian benchmark indices. • HDFC Bank was a primary driver of the decline, with its stock falling 2.08% to Rs 761.45 following disappointing June-quarter earnings.

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reported in its July Bulletin that the Indian economy has successfully navigated external uncertainties, leading to a recovery in foreign investments. • This trend indicates a revival of global investor confidence despite ongoing risks from fragile geopolitics and persistent supply chain pressures.

• Alphabet, the parent company of Google, has increased its capital expenditures (CAPEX) guidance, sparking a rally in the domestic stock market. • This positive momentum contributed to a significant surge in the KOSPI, which rose by over 3%.

• Indian equity indices declined moderately, with the BSE Sensex dropping 238 points and the Nifty 50 slipping by 51 points. • The downturn was driven by profit-booking following a recent rally and heightened geopolitical uncertainties.

• South Korean retail investors are returning to high-risk leveraged financial instruments despite a history of severe losses. • This trend is fueling concerns among analysts that volatile stock market movements could trigger an abrupt and chaotic unwinding of these speculative wagers.