# Spanish economic growth and foreign investment > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/spanish-economic-growth-and-foreign-investment > Updated: 2026-09-24T16:20:56.000Z. Sources: 38. Developments: 2. Spain has seen significant economic activity in the first half of 2026, marked by rising foreign direct investment and growth in the startup and stock markets. Initial reports indicated that foreign direct investment rose by 31.2%, reaching 12,446 million euros. The United States was identified as the leading investor, with its gross investment increasing by 84% compared to the previous year. While capital concentrated in regions like Madrid, Catalonia, and Valencia, net investment decreased by 40% due to a sharp rise in divestments. The data center sector also emerged as a major area of activity. Subsequent data showed continued growth, with gross foreign investment reaching 13.232 billion euros, a 13.2% increase. The United States and the United Kingdom remained the primary sources of capital. Additionally, the Spanish startup ecosystem reached an estimated value of 125 billion euros, supported by significant funding rounds for companies such as Multiverse Computing and PLD Space. The stock market also showed strength, with newly listed industrial and engineering firms experiencing substantial gains. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-24: Spain economy shows growth in startups, investment, and stock markets Spain's economy shows strength through a 125 billion euro startup ecosystem, rising foreign investment in the US and UK, and significant stock gains for new listings like TSK and Arteche. 13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/spanish-startup-ecosystem-reaches-125-billion-euro-valuation ### 2026-09-19: Spain foreign investment rises 31% in first half of 2026 Spain's foreign direct investment grew 31.2% to 12.4 billion euros in H1 2026, led by the US. While gross investment rose, net investment fell 40% due to increased divestments. 27 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/spain-data-center-sector-targets-669-billion-euros-in-investment --- Cite as: Spanish economic growth and foreign investment. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/spanish-economic-growth-and-foreign-investment