BUSINESS

In Turkey, millions of workers and, indirectly, all markets are once again turning their attention to the month of July. The acceleration of inflation data in the first half of 2026 and the consequent noticeable increase in the cost of living have directly impacted the purchasing power of citizens with fixed incomes. This situation has brought the question, 'Will there be an interim increase in the minimum wage in July?' back to the forefront of the national agenda as we reach the middle of the year.

The prices of gold have been determined. As the decline in gold prices continues, there's a growing curiosity about the answer to the question, 'Will gold prices rise?' Economist Filiz Eryılmaz weighed in on the matter of gold prices. She pointed out that the uptick in the dollar index and the stringent monetary policy steps by the U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) are putting pressure on the market. Eryılmaz argued that the current prices do not reflect the reality and stated, 'Gold and silver are not currently valued as they should be.'

Sabancı Holding, one of Turkey's most established industrial and financial groups, has completely dissolved one of its strategic partnerships in the cement sector. All shares in Akçansa Cement Industry and Trade Inc., a locomotive company in the Turkish cement market that has been operating under the holding for many years, were sold to the German giant. The sale price was staggering.

The eagerly anticipated annual 'Turkey's Top 500 Industrial Enterprises 2025' study, conducted by the Istanbul Chamber of Industry (ICO), has unveiled its results. As the performance of the giant companies was laid bare, the top three spots on the list were solidified. Meanwhile, titans of the defense and aviation industries made a powerful surge towards the upper ranks.

Gold has been on a downward trend in recent weeks. The predicted year-end price of gold per gram, which was expected to reach 10,000 lira, has shown significant fluctuations in the first half of 2021. Known as a 'safe haven' due to its consistent profitability for investors, gold broke historical records in January only to plummet to its lowest levels in June. Here is a look at the changes in gold's value over the first six months.

Amidst the plummeting gold prices hitting their lowest levels in recent months, a wave of panic has swept over investors. The question 'What will become of gold?' was sparked when the price of gold per gram dropped to 6,200 liras on June 12, 2026. The eyes of gold investors have now turned towards the global markets and expert opinions. A new prediction for gold prices has been put forward by Islam Memiş.

The downward trend in gold continues. With the expectations of a rate hike by the Federal Reserve (FED) remaining strong, the pressure on gold ounce has intensified, causing it to plummet to its lowest level in the last 2.5 months, at $4,175. Following this sharp decline, major financial institutions and commodity strategists worldwide have begun to revise their forecasts for the future of the gold market. A major bank has now issued a new prediction for gold.

An unexpected decline is happening in gold prices, which were predicted to reach about 10,000 TL by the end of the year. The fate of gold prices, which have hit their lowest level in recent months, is being keenly watched. Investors are seeking answers to questions such as 'Will gold fall?' and 'Will gold rise?' Economist Mahfi Eğilmez has shared his insights on the matter. Posting from his X account, Eğilmez stated, 'Despite its loss of value in recent months, gold has become the investment tool with the highest real annual return.'

A raise is expected to be implemented for the pensions and salaries of public servants in July. The exact amount of this increase is eagerly anticipated and will be determined by the inflation figures for June. This means that the inflation difference for the past six months will dictate the raise for retirees and public servants. Questions such as 'How much will the pension increase be?' and 'What will be the raise for public servants?' are being eagerly asked. Özgür Erdursun, a Social Security Institution expert who accurately predicted the pension raise in previous years, has provided a figure for the raise in July 2026.

As the global markets continue to fluctuate, the direction of gold prices remains the primary concern for investors. With the first half of the year behind us, the question of whether gold prices will fall or rise under the shadow of the Fed's interest policies, global reserve races, and unending geopolitical risks is being sought. Economist Tuna Kaya provided striking assessments, taking a closer look at this uncertainty in the markets. Sharing the extreme lows and highs that gold could potentially experience in a 'bull shock' or 'bear scenario,' Kaya elaborated on the details of the scenario where gram gold is mentioned to reach 15 thousand lira.

The countdown continues for the critical July increase eagerly awaited by millions of public employees and retirees. The 5-month data that will shape the salary tables has officially been clarified. For civil servants and retirees who received an 18.6 percent increase in the first half of the year, in addition to a flat increase of 1000 TL, a large portion of the increase to be made in July has been confirmed. The salaries of teachers, police officers, doctors, nurses, and lawyers have been determined with the 5-month data.

The Turkish Statistical Institute (TURKSTAT) made public the inflation figures for May on Friday, June 5th. The only thing left to be revealed is June's data, which will set the stage for the adjustments to be made in pensions and civil servant pay scales. Once the inflation numbers for June are out in the open, the inflation discrepancy for the preceding six months will come to light, thus cementing the augmentation in pensions and civil servant wages for the latter half of the year.Okan Güray Bülbül, an expert from the Social Security Institution and an Associate Professor, made a prediction about the potential pension hike, expressing that it was 'highly likely.'

Islam Memis spoke about gold prices. According to Memis, if an agreement is reached between the US and Iran while the decline in gold continues, the price per gram of gold will exceed 7,000 lira. What's the latest on gold? What will happen to gold prices? Here's a new prediction from Islam Memis.

As the winds of technology and artificial intelligence continue to blow in global markets, the month of May was nothing short of a fortune explosion for the world's wealthiest individuals. During this period, when the S&P 500 index gained 5% and Nasdaq increased by 8%, the total wealth of the top ten richest people in the world reached $2.9 trillion as of June 1, 2026. The club of the richest managed to add a whopping $220 billion to their fortunes in just a single month.

The countries rich in gold have been identified. In today's markets, the focus of the financial world has shifted from the static powers with the most reserves in their vaults to new players aggressively amassing tons of gold from the market. First quarter reports for 2026, shaped by data from the World Gold Council (WGC) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), lay bare the global gold tycoons and countries filling their coffers at a record pace.

In Turkey, the income of millions of citizens is set for a complete overhaul this coming July. The latest data from the Central Bank's Market Participants Survey has shed light on the anticipated rate of increase for civil servants, retired civil servants, and members of the Social Security Institution and Bağ-Kur. According to recent forecasts, the six-month inflation rate is expected to hit a level of 18.59%. This figure will not only revamp the salaries of retirees and civil servants; it will also comprehensively update all social payments, from severance pay to military service fees, home care payments to disability pensions.Social Security Consultant Emin Yılmaz has thoroughly examined the root salary calculations, civil servant contract differences, and the latest state of social support payments in light of the new inflation forecasts.

The Turkish Statistical Institute (TURKSTAT) has released birth statistics related to the year 2025. According to the latest data, Turkey's total fertility rate has continued its downward trend without interruption, reaching the lowest level in the last nine years. Here are the cities with the highest and lowest fertility rates.