English

More about this topic

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.

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.

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.

Markets

Europe’s markets lose steam amid EU deadlock on Ukraine, trade tension

The rally in European stock markets took a breather as EU leaders struggled to secure a €5 billion funding package for Ukraine. Investor sentiment was further dampened by the ECB’s cautious outlook on the economy and inflation, triggering selloffs, particularly in the defence and automotive sectors.

ADVERTISEMENT

Economy

Lagarde: Trade tariffs could push eurozone inflation up by 0.5%

A trade war could push up eurozone inflation by half a percentage point alone with detrimental effects on growth, ECB’s Lagarde warns. The ECB president said rising trade tensions and a weaker euro could complicate monetary policy.

Economy

Euro falls as eurozone inflation sees downward revisions in February

Eurozone inflation eased to 2.3% in February, with core inflation at 2.6%, its lowest since January 2022. France had the lowest rate (0.9%), Hungary the highest (5.7%). The euro slipped ahead of Wednesday’s Fed meeting.

Economy

ECB's Lagarde warns of severe economic hit from Trump's trade wars

ECB’s Lagarde warns Trump’s trade war could hit global growth, inflation. She indicates that escalating tariffs risk severe economic consequences, while stressing the ECB’s challenge in stabilising inflation amid record-high uncertainty.

Markets

Euro erases post-Trump election losses: Is the rally just beginning?

The euro has surged to 1.0850 against the dollar, erasing post-Trump election losses after a 4.4% weekly gain—its strongest since 2009. While Germany’s fiscal overhaul fuels optimism, analysts are split on whether the rally can last.

Economy

Eurozone economy grows marginally, boosted by household spending

The eurozone economy saw a slight rise in the last quarter of 2024, although major economies such as France and Germany continued to lag.

Economy

Eurozone private sector sees fragile growth as inflation stays high

Eurozone private sector growth remained weak in February, with inflationary pressures rising. France’s activity shrank, while Spain and Italy outperformed, leaving the ECB in a bind over rate cuts.

Economy

Eurozone unemployment remains at a historic low despite weak economy

The eurozone labour market showed resilience following the region’s sluggish economic performance in the last quarter of 2024.

Economy

Eurozone inflation falls less than expected: ECB rate cuts at risk?

Eurozone inflation eased to 2.4% in February but remained above forecasts, complicating the ECB’s rate-cut plans. Monthly price pressures, meanwhile, hit a 10-month high.

Economy

Will the European Central Bank cut interest rates further this week?

The European Central Bank (ECB) is set to reduce its interest rate further this week due to economic concerns. Meanwhile, Donald Trump has vowed to impose 25% tariffs on the EU, sparking concerns of a further growth slowdown.

Economy

Germany's economic sentiment jumps to highest level since last July

Germany’s economic sentiment surged in February, with the ZEW Indicator rising 15.7 points to 26.0, the highest since July 2024. Optimism was fuelled by ECB rate cuts, hopes for fiscal stimulus, and a brighter outlook for construction. Investors turned bullish on European stocks.

Economy

ECB flags trade tariffs, competitiveness gap as risks for growth

The ECB sees rising trade frictions and regulatory barriers as risks to eurozone growth, with US trade policy uncertainty and global demand slowing. While inflation is easing, policymakers remain cautious, with no pre-commitment to rate cuts.

Economy

ECB's Lagarde signals inflation relief, urges push for a digital euro

ECB President Christine Lagarde told the European Parliament that inflation is easing and rate cuts are taking effect but warned of trade risks. She reaffirmed a cautious, data-driven approach and stressed the need for a digital euro to strengthen Europe's financial autonomy.

Economy

French inflation holds steady, raising hopes for further rate cuts

Inflation came in below the ECB’s 2% target, a spot of relief for French policymakers contending with budget deficit woes.

Economy

Lagarde hints at further ECB rate cuts, rules out Bitcoin reserves

The ECB cut rates by 25bps to 2.75%, with Lagarde signalling further easing if inflation declines. Growth risks persist amid weak confidence and geopolitical tensions. She ruled out Bitcoin as a reserve asset, stressing the need for liquidity and security.

Economy

ECB cuts rates again as inflation nears 2% and growth remains weak

The European Central Bank (ECB) cut its benchmark interest rate again by a quarter-point to 2.75% on Thursday as inflation nears 2% and growth remains weak.

Economy

Eurozone economy stagnates in Q4 as Germany and France contract

Eurozone GDP stagnated in Q4 2024 as Germany (-0.2%) and France (-0.1%) contracted, reinforcing expectations of more ECB rate cuts. The euro held at $1.04, while bond yields fell. The ECB-Fed policy gap widens as Powell signals "no rush" for rate cuts.