Housing Watch: Yerevan apartment prices rose 9.1% year-on-year in H1 2026 to an average 505,900 drams per sq. m, while regional markets jumped 18.2%, led by Kentron (927,200 drams/sq. m) and Arabkir (659,100). Real Estate Myth-Busting: A local expert says claims of a Russian demand surge pushing rentals higher are speculative; he links any “overheating” to normal summer tourism. Macroeconomy: Armenia’s GDP grew 6.7% in Q2 2026 to AMD 2.83 trillion, with services, finance, transport, mining and construction all expanding, while agriculture fell 15.3%. Banking & Finance: AMIO Bank placed AMD 6bn in dram bonds in record speed (30 hours) at a 9.75% coupon. Public Finance & Courts: Luys Foundation says spending to protect Armenia’s interests in international courts rose sharply in H1 2026, while foreign trade dynamics remain a concern. Diplomacy Shift: Reports say PM Nikol Pashinyan plans to replace Ambassador Gurgen Arsenyan to Russia, tied to dissatisfaction with his alignment to the government’s foreign policy. Trade Routes: Russian wheat and propane continue transiting Armenia via Azerbaijan, underscoring expanding corridor activity. EU/Regional Politics: Pakistan backs Azerbaijan’s SCO bid but says Armenia should be admitted too, setting up a diplomatic contest at the SCO summit. Aviation Link: Direct Tabriz–Yerevan flights resumed after a two-year gap, aiming to boost tourism and trade.