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
Economy Eurozone business activity shrinks in September as Olympic boost fades Eurozone business activity contracted in September, and weaker demand eased inflationary pressures. This supports the case for a European Central Bank (ECB) rate cut in October, seen as needed to encourage growth. 23/09/2024
Markets Markets lookahead: Manufacturing PMIs, SNB and RBA rate decision This week is packed with key economic data and events, including manufacturing and services PMIs from major economies, alongside interest rate decisions from the Swiss National Bank (SNB) and the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). 23/09/2024
Economy Germany's economic sentiment takes a dramatic fall as outlook worsens Germany's economic sentiment plunged to an 11-month low in September, with the ZEW index dropping sharply. Economic outlook worsened across key German industries, impacting the broader eurozone morale. 17/09/2024
Markets Markets look ahead: EU CPI, BoE, BoJ, and Fed rate decisions in focus This week is packed with critical economic data and events, shaping global market sentiment. Three major central banks are scheduled to hold policy meetings and make decisions on their interest rates. 16/09/2024
Business ECB interest rate cut: How will it impact your personal finances? The European Central Bank (ECB) cut interest rates for the second time this year on Thursday 12 September. Euronews Business asked the experts how it might impact your personal finances. 13/09/2024
Economy Will the ECB cut interest rates again in October? Analysts weigh in Analysts are divided on whether the ECB will cut rates again in October, with some expecting a pause until December. Key factors include wage pressures, inflation data, and oil prices. Most agree on gradual easing, with more cuts likely into 2025. 13/09/2024
Markets Weekly recap: European Central Bank rate cut sparks market rally Global stock markets were mostly positive this week, buoyed by optimism over central banks' rate cuts. The ECB’s second rate reduction of the year fuelled a market rally across Europe. 13/09/2024
Economy ECB's Lagarde reaffirms data-driven approach to future rate decisions ECB President Christine Lagarde reaffirms a data-driven approach to rate decisions while urging structural reforms, citing Mario Draghi's competitiveness report. The ECB lowered its deposit rate by 25 basis points, with inflation and growth forecasts largely unchanged. 12/09/2024