Economy European Central Bank delivers final rate cut of the year The ECB started cutting the main interest rates in June 2024, to boost the Eurozone's lagging economy, through lower rates to encourage borrowing, spending and investment. 12/12/2024
Economy ECB set to trim interest rates again: What's next and why it matters The ECB is set to cut rates by 25 basis points to 3%, with further easing expected into 2025. Lower rates may provide a much-needed boost to borrowing, domestic consumption, and exports via a weaker euro, but geopolitical risks costs may limit the benefits. 11/12/2024
Markets Markets look ahead: French political risk and US jobs data in focus Market participants will continue to watch the development of the French government crisis and key economic data from major economies this week. 02/12/2024
Economy Eurozone's inflation rate rises to 2.3%: Should the ECB be concerned? Annual inflation in the eurozone edged higher in November, matching expectations, while Germany reported its worst retail sales drop in two years, signalling broader economic challenges for the region. 29/11/2024
Markets French markets near a four-month low amid government crisis French markets are a rare underperformer, compared to their global peers this year amid its political turmoil. The risk of a government collapse is set to add more challenges to the eurozone’s economy, hence, pressuring the euro. 28/11/2024
EuroVerify No, Christine Lagarde doesn't want to scrap cash for climate A video is being shared on social media which allegedly shows Christine Lagarde, president of the European Central Bank, calling for the abolition of cash in order to reduce our carbon footprint. 28/11/2024
Economy ECB's Schnabel advocates gradual cuts, flags Trump's trade risks Interest rates are nearing neutral territory, ECB's Isabel Schnabel has said, backing gradual cuts amid persistent inflation. She highlighted risks from Donald Trump’s trade policies, noting potential economic shocks for Europe as tariffs loom over export-heavy economies. 28/11/2024
Economy Eurozone business activity contracts: Euro tumbles to 2-year lows Eurozone business activity fell sharply in November, with services joining manufacturing in contraction. The Composite PMI hit 48.1, signalling the steepest decline since January. The euro and bond yields weakened, while equities turned red, with banks witnessing sharp declines. 22/11/2024
Business BBVA-Sabadell merger: Can new commitments ease antitrust fears? BBVA has pledged key measures, including branch retention and SME credit guarantees, to ease antitrust concerns over its merger with Sabadell. While regulators cite risks to competition and rural access, the deal could reshape Spain's banking sector if approved. 21/11/2024
Economy Eurozone sovereign debt crisis? ECB warns of fiscal and growth risks The ECB warns of mounting eurozone sovereign debt risks in its latest review, citing high debt levels, fiscal slippage, and weak growth. 20/11/2024
Economy Eurozone annual inflation hits ECB target as it rises to 2% in October Eurostat data released on Tuesday showed eurozone inflation rose to the European Central Bank's 2% target in October. 19/11/2024
Markets Euro tumbles to a one-year low as US releases inflation figures The euro further declined against the US dollar following the release of US inflation data on Wednesday. Analysts expect that the euro may continue to face downward pressure against the dollar, even if enthusiasm over Trump's policies subsides. 14/11/2024
EU Decoded EU DECODED: Will the Digital Euro strengthen financial security? In this episode we talk about a new payment method that is being studied by the European Central Bank: the digital euro. Do we need another alternative for online payments and could this project have negative impacts on the banking system? 13/11/2024
Economy Trump policies may push ECB to cut rates, Draghi urges reform efforts Trump’s protectionist policies could push the ECB to cut rates faster than predicted, as renewed tariffs on European exports threaten growth. Draghi urges EU reforms to bridge the tech gap and calls for a united stance in trade talks with the US. 08/11/2024
Economy Eurozone inflation figures see rise above forecasts for October Eurozone inflation hit 2% in October, exceeding forecasts and up from September's 1.7%, driven by services and food prices. Germany witnessed unexpected price increases. The euro strengthened. 31/10/2024
Markets Weekly recap: Uncertainty moves markets into retreat from highs Global markets are set to finish the week lower due to uncertainties surrounding the economic and political landscape ahead of the US presidential election and the Japanese general election. Risk-off sentiment shaped market trends as precious metal prices surged. 25/10/2024
Economy Will the European Central Bank opt for a large rate cut in December? Money markets see an increased likelihood of the European Central Bank (ECB) deepening its rate cuts in December following weak economic data. However, analysts expect the bank to maintain a gradual approach to rate reductions due to the persistent upside risks in inflation. 25/10/2024
Economy ECB’s Lagarde stays cautious on rate cuts, urges competitive reforms ECB's Christine Lagarde emphasised a cautious, data-driven approach to further rate cuts. She highlighted the need to address productivity gaps, energy costs, and digitalisation, calling for immediate action. 23/10/2024
Markets What key factors could keep the euro under pressure for some time? The euro extended its losses against other major currencies within the G-10 group, with the EUR/USD pair dropping below the pivotal 1.08 level on Tuesday. The single currency may remain weak for some time. 23/10/2024
Business Week ahead: A look forward to what might be moving the markets This week, several key trends are capturing investors' attention, including eurozone economic activity, central bank rate decisions, and major companies' quarterly earnings. 21/10/2024