Markets July's seasonal magic: European stocks' summer rally revealed European stocks historically shine in July, with the EURO STOXX 50 and STOXX 600 averaging strong gains and 70% win rates. French banks like BNP and Credit Agricole, along with luxury giants, show standout seasonal strength. 03/07/2025
Economy Lagarde says ECB 'will not rest' as eurozone inflation hits 2% in June Eurozone price pressures rose in line with expectations in June, reaching the ECB’s 2% target. ECB President Christine Lagarde struck a cautious tone in her opening remarks at the central bank’s annual symposium in Sintra. 01/07/2025
Markets Euro heads to 4-year highs: Could it reach 1.20 or higher? The single currency has rallied 13% this year, buoyed by eurozone fiscal policy shifts, political uncertainty in the US, and changing market dynamics. 26/06/2025
Economy Eurozone business activity stalls in June: Will the ECB cut again? Eurozone business activity stalled in June, with PMI data showing flat growth linked to weak services and manufacturing. Germany improved slightly, while France declined. Persistent service-sector cost pressures and renewed energy concerns may cloud ECB rate cut prospects. 23/06/2025
Economy Could China’s rare earth pivot ease strain on the automotive sector? China has approved some rare earth export licences, offering slight relief to strained global supply chains. Yet with shipments still down sharply and licensing opaque, Europe's auto sector remains exposed to Beijing’s strategic resource grip. 20/06/2025
Markets Israel-Iran conflict fuels best month for energy stocks since 2022 European energy stocks soar as the Israel-Iran conflict drives Brent crude up 20% in June. The EURO STOXX 600 Energy index has gained 8% over the same period, on track for its best month since October 2022. 18/06/2025
Economy German economic morale soars in June: 'Confidence is picking up' Germany’s economic sentiment soared to 47.5 in June, its highest since March, driven by stronger demand and policy support. But European stocks fell as Israel-Iran tensions escalated, oil prices rose, and investors awaited the Fed’s policy decision. 17/06/2025
Economy Israel-Iran crisis: How vital is the Strait of Hormuz for oil market? Tensions between Israel and Iran have raised fears of disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil and LNG. Experts warn that even the threat of closure could rattle markets and push energy prices sharply higher. 16/06/2025
Markets Israel launches major strike on Iran: What is the market fallout? European stocks fell sharply after Israel struck Iranian nuclear sites, fuelling fears of wider conflict. Oil and gold surged on safe-haven demand, while bank shares dropped. Markets are pricing in higher geopolitical and energy supply risks. 13/06/2025
Economy UK economy contracts sharply in April: Will the BoE respond? UK GDP shrank 0.3% in April, the sharpest drop since October 2023, led by declines in services and manufacturing. Labour market data weakened, fuelling speculation of a Bank of England rate cut in August as recession fears grow. 12/06/2025
Economy Investing in metals: Will silver surpass its 2011 all-time high? Silver has surged to its highest level since early 2012, fuelling speculation that it might surpass its all-time high of near $50. With strong industrial demand, tightening supply, and rising investor interest, the metal may be in the early stages of a renewed bull run. 12/06/2025
Economy Swiss deflation fuels talks of negative interest rates: Is SNB ready? Switzerland may become the first advanced economy to revive negative interest rates, as inflation turned negative in May for the first time since 2021. 11/06/2025
Economy Eurozone economy grows by 0.6%: Lagarde shuts door on July rate cut The eurozone gross domestic product grew by 0.6% quarter-over-quarter in the first quarter of 2025, marking the strongest pace of growth since late 2022. ECB's President Christine Lagarde hinted that a July pause in rate cuts may be warranted. 06/06/2025
Economy Eurozone inflation falls below ECB 2% target in May: Rate cut in sight Eurozone inflation fell to 1.9% in May, below forecasts, boosting expectations of an ECB rate cut on Thursday. Core inflation also eased to 2.4%. The euro slipped and bond yields fell as markets priced in a 25bp rate cut to 2.0%. 03/06/2025
Economy Eurozone disinflation on track as price pressures ease in Germany Inflation eased across major eurozone economies in May, with Germany holding at 2.1%, Spain falling to 1.9% and Italy to 1.7%, reinforcing expectations of cooling price pressures ahead of next week’s euro area data. 30/05/2025
Economy German consumer confidence rises despite uncertainty German consumer sentiment rose for a third month, driven by stronger income and economic expectations. However, rising savings and lower purchase intent highlight persistent uncertainty and a fragile recovery. 27/05/2025
Economy Eurozone private sector slips into contraction as services falter Eurozone private sector contracted in May, with Composite PMI falling to 49.5. Services saw their sharpest drop in 16 months, while manufacturing stabilised. Business confidence hit a 19-month low, reinforcing expectations for further ECB rate cuts. 22/05/2025
Economy Eurozone confidence lifts slightly in May but remains fragile Eurozone consumer confidence rose by 1.4 points in May, partly reversing April’s drop, but remains well below average. Sentiment is still fragile amid inflation and trade uncertainty. 20/05/2025
Economy Eurozone grows 0.3% at the start of the year, industrial output soars Eurozone GDP grew 0.3% in the first quarter of 2025, with strong gains in Ireland and Spain. Employment rose 0.3%, beating forecasts. March industrial output surged 2.6%, the fastest in five years. 15/05/2025
Economy German economic sentiment rebounds in May as tariff fears ease Germany’s economic sentiment rebounded to 25.2 in May, surpassing forecasts amid easing trade tensions and political stability. Eurozone sentiment also improved. Despite weak current conditions, optimism grows across key sectors. 13/05/2025