Markets, Business and Tech Briefing -- Monday, 9 March 2026

Markets

PSI Opens the Week After Mixed Global Signals

The PSI index heads into Monday's session following a volatile week for European equities. Investors are watching ECB commentary closely as inflation data continues to moderate across the eurozone, raising expectations of further rate adjustments later in the spring.

EUR/USD Holds Steady Near Recent Range

The euro remains in a holding pattern against the dollar, trading within the band that has characterized the pair for much of 2026. Portuguese exporters and importers are operating in a relatively stable currency environment, though any shift in US trade policy could disrupt the equilibrium.

Property and Real Estate

Lisbon Property Hits EUR6,059 Per Square Metre

Average asking prices in Lisbon reached EUR6,059 per square metre in February 2026, according to Idealista data. Porto stands at EUR4,060. The gap between coastal cities and the interior continues to widen, with Portalegre offering property at just EUR989 per square metre.

EU Assessment Flags Portuguese Housing as 35% Overvalued

Recent EU analysis has flagged Portugal's housing market as approximately 35% overvalued relative to income fundamentals. The assessment adds weight to concerns about affordability and sustainability, though tight supply continues to support prices in the short term.

Build-to-Rent Model Gaining Traction

Professionally managed rental developments, common in northern European markets, are beginning to attract institutional investor interest in Portugal. The model could help address the chronic shortage of long-term rental housing, particularly in Lisbon and Porto, if regulatory stability improves.

Business

Bison Bank Backs Angel Investment Expansion

Bison Bank partnered with Angels Way for Portugal's largest angel investor event, held at Cloudflare's Lisbon offices. CEO Antonio Henriques emphasized that Portuguese startups must adopt global ambitions to compete for capital against alternatives like the S&P 500's average 11-12% annual returns.

Brazilian Startups Begin Lisbon Incubation Programme

Ten Brazilian startups selected by ApexBrasil and Sebrae have begun a nine-month incubation in Lisbon, focused on European market expansion. Sectors covered include fintech, digital marketing, engineering, and IT services. The programme leverages Portugal's position as a natural bridge between Latin America and the EU.

Financial Times Spotlights Portugal's Startup Hubs

The Financial Times profiled Portugal's growing startup ecosystem last week, highlighting hubs in Lisbon, Porto, and Braga as increasingly attractive for companies seeking to scale within the European market. The piece noted the country's combination of talent, lifestyle appeal, and competitive operating costs.

Tech and Digital

BSC AI Factory Opens Second Incubation Call

The EU-backed BSC AI Factory is accepting applications for its Incubation Space Program, with positions available in Lisbon and Guimaraes alongside Barcelona and Bucharest. The six-month programme runs from April to September 2026 and targets AI-focused startups.

IRS Filing Season Approaches: Digital Tools for Taxpayers

With IRS Modelo 3 filing opening on 1 April, Portugal's tax authorities are pushing digital submissions through the Portal das Financas. The March deadline for e-Fatura invoice validation has passed, and taxpayers who use Portugal's digital tax infrastructure should ensure all deductions are properly categorized before the filing window opens.

Digital Nomad Visa Demand Remains Strong

Portugal's D8 digital nomad visa continues to attract remote workers globally, according to updated guides from immigration consultancies. The visa requires proof of minimum income and grants access to Portugal's tax framework, which can offer advantageous rates for qualifying foreign-source income. Processing times and bureaucratic requirements remain common pain points.

Cloudflare's Lisbon Presence Grows

Cloudflare's Lisbon office, which hosted the Angels Way event, reflects the growing footprint of major tech companies in the Portuguese capital. The company's choice of Lisbon aligns with a broader trend of international tech firms establishing engineering and operations teams in Portugal, drawn by talent availability and quality of life.