Economy European financial markets 'too fragmented', warns S&P Global Although growth in the Eurozone is back, geopolitical risks posed by the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East remain, along with tighter financial conditions and the reshaping of the political landscape across Europe. 24/06/2024
Markets Markets look ahead: Global inflation data takes centre stage The week will feature inflation readings from major economies, providing clues about the interest rate trajectory of central banks. 24/06/2024
Markets Crude oil prices surge sparking concerns of raised inflation risk Crude oil prices rose to a two-month high amid optimistic demand outlooks and a decline in US stockpiles, sparking concerns of a resurgence in inflation. 24/06/2024
Economy Eurozone manufacturing sector hits six-month low on new order slowdown Exports and employment were also slow, while input costs were on the rise, contributing further to declining output. 21/06/2024
Economy IMF's roadmap for Europe: More green investment and market integration The IMF recommends Europe implement strategic macroeconomic policies, structural reforms, and increased green investment to address challenges such as reduced fiscal buffers, an ageing population, and low productivity growth. 21/06/2024
Economy Swiss central bank cuts interest rates for second time this year The Swiss National Bank cut interest rates for a second time running in response to predictions of cooling inflation. The country’s key banking and financial services sector has been under pressure recently from the rising dominance of other financial hubs such as Hong Kong, Singapore and the US. 20/06/2024
Economy Krone rises as Norway holds firm over interest rate decision Unlike its counterparts for Sweden, Switzerland and the euro zone, Norges Bank is holding back on interest rate cuts. 20/06/2024
Economy German wholesale inflation continues to drop on energy price falls Falling natural gas and electricity prices were the main contributors to May’s figure, as well as the declining cost of intermediate goods. 20/06/2024
Economy Swedish unemployment rate falls to three-month low in May The Swedish labour market is still relatively resilient at the moment, but is likely to become more sluggish in the coming months, according to the European Commission. 19/06/2024
Economy BoE rate decision: No change despite latest drop in inflation The Bank of England has left the interest rate on hold, even though inflation has now fallen to its target level of 2%. 19/06/2024
Economy UK inflation rate hits target of 2%: Is this a signal for rate cuts? The United Kingdom's overall inflation rate fell to 2% year-on-year in May, hitting the Bank of England's target for the first time since July 2021, just ahead of the bank's June meeting. 19/06/2024
Economy Hungary moves on interest rate as inflation creeps up A further reduction comes on the back of more than a year of rate cuts, although a drop in the forint is curtailing dramatic changes. 18/06/2024
Economy French inflation up in May driven by higher energy and food prices French inflation inched up to 2.3% in May. Increases in food prices and energy costs contributed to this higher figure. However, services inflation softened over the same period. 14/06/2024
Economy Inflation in Spain rises to 3.6% in May driven by the cost of housing Inflation rise in Spain: housing costs, transport and fuel price rises are the main drivers. However, the price of food and non-alcoholic beverages dropped in May 2024. 13/06/2024
Economy German inflation on the rise again for the first time in five months Increases in services and food costs contributed significantly to May's rise in German inflation, although energy prices continued to fall. 12/06/2024
Economy UK long-term sickness record rise fuels fears over economic growth Long-term sickness leads to a growing number of people who are neither working nor looking for a job, known as economically inactive. This poses a significant risk to economic growth. 11/06/2024
Economy Eurozone economy growth thanks to increased household spending In the first quarter of 2024, the eurozone economy grew by 0.3% compared with the previous quarter, according to the third estimate published by Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. 07/06/2024
Economy ECB delivers a “hawkish” rate cut, Lagarde stresses data dependency The ECB reduced interest rates by 25 basis points, signalling a moderation in monetary policy restrictions. However, Frankfurt also issued an upward revision to its inflation projections, now expecting headline inflation to average 2.5% in 2024 and 2.2% in 2025. 06/06/2024
Economy Germany announces €23 billion tax cuts to help inflation-hit household The coalition government set aside week's of disagreement to agree the tax cuts package. However, the move has already seen a considerable backlash, with opposing political parties arguing that tax cuts will heap yet more pressure on Germany’s already strained budget. 06/06/2024
Travel News Schengen visas will be more expensive from 11 June The European Commission has blamed the price hike on inflation in member states. 05/06/2024