The jobless rate fell to 5.5% in May, its lowest since December 2001, while the employed population reached a record high — a robust labour market even as GDP growth stalls. Youth unemployment stays near 20%.
Portugal's largest builder is increasingly confident a Texas court will throw out the defamation suit brought by short-seller Muddy Waters — potentially on jurisdictional grounds, according to ECO reporting.
Portugal's debt agency has scrapped the €5,000 cap on online purchases of Savings Certificates. Using the DUC payment mechanism, savers can now subscribe any amount in one transaction up to €250,000 — as the July base rate hits 2.356%.
The government has sketched more than €6 billion of new motorway concessions for 2029-2031 — its first road PPP in 18 years — while opening talks with Brisa over the A8 and A15. The tolling model is still undecided.
As the IPMA forecasts highs near 42°C in Portugal's interior, the government says the law already protects workers — though it sets no temperature at which work stops. The ACT has notified 200,000 employers of their duty to provide water, ventilation and breaks.
From 1 July, Decreto-Lei 97/2026 cuts VAT on building or renovating a home to 6% from 23% — capped at a €660,982 sale price or €2,300 rent. Non-residents get a recoverable 7.5% transfer tax, self-builders can reclaim the difference, and moving out in year one triggers a 10% IMT surcharge.
