Inflation Watch: Egypt’s annual urban headline inflation eased to 14.3% in June as food prices slowed, while non-food inflation kept rising, according to the Central Bank of Egypt. Finance & Housing: CIB, Banque Misr and NBE backed Orascom Development’s O West with an EGP 18bn syndicated loan to speed construction and future phases. Banking & Growth: Egypt’s net international reserves jumped about $3.62bn in H1 2026 to a record $55.072bn, with June driving the sharp rise. Microfinance: Egypt’s microfinance portfolio neared EGP 108bn in Q1 2026, serving over four million clients. Regulation: The Financial Regulatory Authority ordered credit checks for life insurance policies worth EGP 10m+ to tighten underwriting and identity/document verification. Social Policy: The Social Solidarity Ministry joined a national street-animal plan, including shelters and sterilisation centres, to curb unregulated practices. Industry & Tech: Egypt is exploring localisation of communications equipment components with Thales, tied to military production goals. Regional Security: Egypt’s foreign minister urged de-escalation in calls with the US envoy and Omani/Cypriot counterparts as Iran-U.S. tensions continue. War Economy: Cairo’s “Garbage City” recyclers say the Iran war’s plastic supply squeeze has flipped demand—factories now call them to deliver. Sports: World Cup final focus: Argentina vs Spain at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, with Egypt-linked coverage also highlighting the match’s wider politics and fan fallout.