Economy ECB watchers see more rate cuts to come after October decision Economists expect the ECB to continue rate cuts, aiming for 2% by mid-2025. Lagarde's focus on downside inflation risks and weak growth signals further easing. 18/10/2024
Markets Markets weekly recap: DAX hits a new high as the ECB cuts Stock markets on both sides of the Atlantic will likely end the week on a positive note, with sentiment buoyed by the European Central Bank’s (ECB) rate cut and robust US corporate earnings. In contrast, Chinese stocks continued their retreat as optimism from the recent market frenzy faded. 18/10/2024
Economy ECB rate cuts: 'We're breaking the neck of inflation,' says Lagarde Inflation is on track to hit the medium-term 2% target in 2025. The ECB remains data-dependent, with no pre-commitment to future rate changes. 17/10/2024
Economy ECB cuts rates again as inflation falls below target The 25 basis point cut, expected by analysts, arrives against a backdrop of settling inflation and anaemic growth. 17/10/2024
Markets Euro under pressure ahead of European Central Bank rate decision The euro began its downtrend against the US dollar at the end of September after reaching a 15-month high. Despite a potential near-term rebound, analysts suggest the euro's weakness may persist. 17/10/2024
Markets Where to look for top-performing European stocks as interest rates dip As interest rates fall, European stocks in sectors such as financials, consumer discretionary, and industrials tend to outperform. These sectors benefit from lower borrowing costs, increased consumer spending, and higher capital investments, driving market gains. 16/10/2024
Economy Germany's economic sentiment improves, DAX index hits record highs October's rise was driven by interest rate cut expectations and export optimism, despite a worsening current outlook. The DAX hit record highs, boosted by falling oil prices and a weakening euro, outperforming other European indices. 15/10/2024
Economy Will the ECB deliver another rate cut at this week's meeting? The ECB is expected to announce a rate cut on Thursday, responding to falling inflation and worsening economic conditions. Eurozone inflation fell to 1.8% in September, while weak PMI data indicates economic stagnation. 14/10/2024
Markets Week ahead in the markets: ECB rate decision takes centre stage The European Central Bank (ECB) is expected to announce a 0.25% rate cut this week, marking the third reduction this year. Key economic data from China, the UK, and the US will also be in focus, including China's GDP and UK inflation. 14/10/2024
Economy What do economists think of France's emergency debt crisis budget? France's 2025 budget plan targets €60bn in spending cuts and tax hikes to reduce the deficit to 5% of GDP. However, economists remain sceptical, with some forecasting a higher deficit and lower growth, raising concerns about the sustainability of tax-driven consolidation. 11/10/2024
Economy ECB highlights 'fragile' economic recovery, praises Draghi's reforms The ECB cut rates by 25 basis points in September, citing "appropriate" action due to disinflation and a "fragile" recovery, meeting account shows. Risks to growth remain tilted to the downside. Policymakers urged structural reforms, as highlighted by Draghi. 10/10/2024
Economy Germany's economic struggles deepen: A back-to-back recession looms Germany's economic downturn deepens with a projected contraction in 2024, marking its second consecutive year of decline. Manufacturing struggles and global competition, especially from China, highlight structural issues. Growth is expected to return in 2025. 09/10/2024
Markets Week ahead in the markets: Tensions in the Middle East remain in focus This week, geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, the trajectory of US inflation, and insights from central bank meetings will be in focus, shaping future trends in global markets. 07/10/2024
Markets European stock markets conclude lacklustre month with mixed results European stock markets underperformed compared to their US and Chinese counterparts in September, primarily due to a lack of local catalysts and a dependence on global events. However, luxury consumer stocks excelled, driven by optimism surrounding a swift recovery in Chinese demand. 01/10/2024
Business Lagarde supports bank mergers as UniCredit-Commerzbank talks intensify The ECB has indicated its support for UniCredit’s potential full takeover of Commerzbank, as cross-border banking mergers align with the single market’s unity strategy, enhancing the competitiveness of the European banking system on a global scale. 01/10/2024
Markets Markets week ahead: Spotlight on eurozone inflation and US employment This week, markets will focus on upcoming economic data, including eurozone inflation, US non-farm payrolls, and China’s business activity figures. This data will be critical for investors assessing the global economic trajectory and the potential direction of central bank rate policies. 30/09/2024
Economy French and Spanish inflation dips below 2% fuelling rate cut hopes Lower-than-expected inflation is fuelling bets for the ECB to keep cutting the benchmark interest rate in October. 27/09/2024
Markets Markets round-up: China growth measures drive up European stocks Chinese stimulus policies boosted stock markets across Europe, particularly in sectors more exposed to Chinese consumer demand, such as luxury and automotive stocks. Both the Euro Stoxx 600 and the DAX reached new record highs. 27/09/2024
Business Commerzbank takeover: Germany questions UniCredit's 'hostile' strategy UniCredit's bid to raise its stake in Commerzbank to 29.9% faces German resistance. The European Commission sees potential benefits in consolidation, while analysts predict significant financial synergies. 25/09/2024
Economy German business confidence tumbles: Why is DAX index defying gravity? Germany's business confidence slumped for the fourth straight month in September, but the DAX stock index is defying the economic gloom, nearing record highs. 24/09/2024