Markets European markets mixed as investors digest ECB interest rate decision European markets were mixed on Thursday afternoon as investors digested the latest ECB interest rate decision. 05/06/2025
Economy Bulgaria to adopt the euro as ECB and EU Commission give green light Bulgaria will be the 21st nation to join the eurozone, with adoption planned at the start of 2026. 04/06/2025
Business Bulgaria close to adopting the euro: What stands in the way? Bulgaria's government is pressing ahead with its plan to join the euro currency union, aiming to deepen European integration. 03/06/2025
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
Business Inflation in Spain falls to 1.9% in May in line with ECB targets Inflation falls to 1.9% in May but core inflation remains above 2%. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) reaches its lowest value since last October. 30/05/2025
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 recovery stalls as services weaken despite manufacturing rise Eurozone growth barely advanced in April as services stagnated despite a manufacturing rebound. Cooling inflation boosts hopes for an ECB rate cut, but weak demand and falling confidence cloud the outlook. 06/05/2025
Economy Germany's business morale hits 9-month high but trade clouds loom Germany’s business morale rose to a 9-month high in April, yet sector confidence remains split. Manufacturing lags on trade fears, while construction and services gain. 24/04/2025
Economy Why economists believe the ECB will keep on cutting interest rates Economists predict that the ECB will continue its rate-cutting cycle as global trade tensions rise and eurozone growth slows. Markets expect up to 75 basis points of easing by September, pushing the deposit rate down to 1.5%. 18/04/2025
Economy ECB's Lagarde: Trade tariffs are a negative shock for the eurozone Lagarde said the ECB’s rate cut reflected confidence in disinflation and rising growth risks from tariffs, which are set to weigh on demand. The bank dropped its “restrictive” stance and stressed a data-driven, flexible approach. 17/04/2025
Economy ECB cuts rates again as Trump tariffs weigh on economic outlook The European Central Bank cut its benchmark interest rate by a quarter point to 2.25% on Thursday as threats to growth outweigh inflationary concerns. 17/04/2025
Economy Fed’s Powell warns tariffs may upset inflation-growth balance Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell expressed concern over achieving the central bank’s dual mandate as tariffs are likely to drive inflation higher while weakening economic growth. His comments added further pressure on US stock markets and the US dollar on Wednesday. 17/04/2025
Economy ECB set to cut interest rates as insurance against trade tariffs ECB expected to cut rates by 25bp to 2.25%—its sixth straight reduction—as inflation cools and tariff risks rise. Economists see the move as insurance amid growth shocks and US-EU tensions weighing on sentiment and policy outlook. 16/04/2025
EuroVerify Is the EU banning American credit cards? Social media users allege that ECB President Christine Lagarde has announced plans to get rid of the likes of Visa, Mastercard and PayPal. 16/04/2025
Markets Week ahead: ECB rate decision, China’s GDP, and major company earnings This week, the European Central Bank’s (ECB) interest rate decision will take centre stage. The bank is expected to continue reducing its benchmark policy rates amid mounting economic risks linked to tariffs. In Asia, China’s GDP will be closely watched by investors. 14/04/2025
EuroVerify Is Spain banning the use of €50 notes? The claims seem to feed into a general narrative of misinformation that European countries are trying to eliminate cash. 14/04/2025
Economy Eurozone inflation falls to 2.2%: Could the ECB cut rates this month? Eurozone inflation hit a four-month low at 2.2% in March, but rising monthly prices and persistent services inflation leave the ECB divided ahead of its April 17 meeting, with markets pricing a 65% chance of a rate cut. 01/04/2025
Economy How could the European Central Bank react to Trump’s trade tariffs? Donald Trump’s tariffs may hit EU growth and push up inflation, posing a dilemma for the ECB. While trade slows and prices rise, some economists argue rate cuts remain appropriate, so long as inflation expectations stay anchored. 31/03/2025
Economy How car tariffs and defence spending are shaping growth in Europe Uncertainty around US trade tariffs is costing the eurozone and the UK economy billions this year and the next, which cannot be entirely offset by increased defence spending in 2025. 29/03/2025
Economy Europe’s economic confidence dips again as services sector retreats Sentiment across the European economy weakened again in March, with confidence in services and retail slumping. The euro area’s index fell to 95.2, deepening doubts over recovery momentum. 28/03/2025