Regional Growth Watch: Vietnam’s economy accelerated to 8.39% y/y in Q2 2026, with industry and construction up 10.51% and services rising 7.87%, keeping the first-half pace at 8.18%. Macro Signals (Europe): The Netherlands’ June outlook looked less bleak than May, with exports up 4.4% y/y and manufacturing output up 4.7%, though consumer confidence stayed below its long-run average. India Inflation & Demand: India’s services growth continued but cooled (Services PMI 57.4), while a poor monsoon is projected to lift food inflation to about 6% and CPI to 5% in FY27. Geopolitics Meets Economics: Japan and India pledged deeper cooperation on security, economic security, semiconductors, and critical minerals, aiming to build supply chains among like-minded partners. Trade & Jobs (South Asia): ADB approved a $50m loan to modernize Nepal’s customs with digitalization and risk-based inspections to cut trade costs and support jobs. Policy & Infrastructure (Germany): Germany unveiled a sweeping reform package to revive growth, cut taxes, and tighten labor and welfare rules. Development Finance (Nigeria): Bank of Industry says it deployed N645bn in 2025 to de-risk sectors, backing 12,501 businesses and creating 1.68m jobs. Tourism/Local Economy: China rolled out a smoother departure tax refund “2.0” to boost inbound shoppers’ spending, while Bellevue, Nebraska is pushing the REACH campus expected to generate $125m and 150 jobs.