NVIDIA-backed data-centre operator Firmus and its advisers are negotiating a $2–3 bln private placement with existing investors after abandoning an IPO that would have been among Australia’s largest, people familiar with the matter said. Firmus needs ongoing capital to complete under-construction data centres; some existing investors had planned to subscribe roughly half of the original IPO proceeds, which could speed this round. Sources said the financing mix is not final and may combine equity

RSM economist Thomas Pugh says the UK economy likely contracted 0.1% in August as some of June–July’s strong momentum faded. He says the economy has averaged about 0.5% growth per quarter year‑to‑date and that Q3 is still expected to expand roughly 0.4–0.5%. Industrial output was likely flat in August while construction and services output fell; AI adoption could boost IT and other key sectors. Pugh warns that rising inflation, higher interest rates and a weakening labour market could prompt a pronounced slowdown in Q4 and into 2027, leaving firms to contend with weaker demand.

Germany's vice-chancellor and finance minister said the Capital Markets Union must be advanced and expects the European Commission to table a proposal for an energy windfall tax.