U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Index Falls to 67.0 in Q1 2026

• Europe is facing a projected jet fuel deficit of 510,000 barrels per day as it enters the fourth quarter. • The shortage is driven by disrupted supplies from the Middle East, tight inventories, and high fuel prices.

• Jeffrey Roach, chief economist at LPL Financial, reported that geopolitical conflicts are currently inflating energy prices. • These conflicts are simultaneously squeezing Chinese refiners and keeping the Federal Reserve hawkish, meaning the central bank is likely to keep interest rates high to fight inflation.

• The Globe and Mail highlighted five key economic and political files for the week, including a potential drop in July retail sales and new national population estimates. • The Trump administration warned that an associate partnership between Canada and the European Union could be viewed as a "hostile act."

• The European Central Bank launched a blockchain settlement service called Pontes on September 21 to connect its payment system with blockchain-based financial markets. • The bank will invest a portion of its funds into high-rated digital securities as part of this initiative.

• The European Growth Leaders 2026 ranking identified the 100 fastest-growing listed companies across the EU-27. • Sweden, Poland, Italy, and Croatia hold the most top positions, with Poland claiming five of the first 21 placements.

• U.S.-listed Greenland stocks surged following an announcement by Donald Trump regarding a security deal with Denmark. • Donald Trump and his sons have invested heavily in the AI economy despite calls for a slowdown in the sector.

• Simply Wall St identified three undervalued European small-cap stocks that have seen recent insider buying despite broader market volatility. • The pan-European STOXX Europe 600 Index ended the week down due to fluctuating energy prices and tensions in the Middle East.

• Asian stock markets rose on Monday following comments from Scott Bessent that recent discussions with China were successful. • The market movement comes ahead of a scheduled meeting this week in Washington between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

• Asian stock markets mostly rose recently as investors awaited a scheduled meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Washington. • South Korea's Kospi index climbed 1.8% to 7,018.98, driven by a 5% jump in Samsung Electronics shares.

• Asian stocks rose recently as investors anticipated a trade truce between the United States and China ahead of a meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping. • South Korea's Kospi index climbed 1.7 percent to 7,007.72, driven by a 5 percent jump in Samsung Electronics shares.

• U.S. economic data indicates that third-quarter growth is on pace to double the 1.5% annualized expansion rate seen from April to June. • Costco will report its fiscal fourth-quarter returns during a week with a muted earnings calendar.

• Asian stock markets mostly rose on Monday as investors anticipated an upcoming US-China summit and monitored Middle East oil supply risks. • Japan's Nikkei 225 climbed 1.38% and South Korea's KOSPI advanced 0.97%, while Australia's S&P/ASX 200 fell 0.16%.