English

More about this topic

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.

Business Series

How Azerbaijan Investment Company drives industrial growth

In partnership with Azpromo

In this episode of Azerbaijan Diary, Ulvi Mansurov discusses Azerbaijan Investment Company’s role in driving industrial growth, attracting foreign investment, and supporting economic diversification.

Economy

Bank of England keeps benchmark interest rate stable at 4.5%

The central bank's decision comes amid rising uncertainty over the UK's economic growth, especially as US tariff threats loom.

Economy

Fed rate pause: Bank forecasts slower US growth and higher inflation

The Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged as expected but downgraded its economic outlook, citing slower growth and higher inflation due to Trump’s tariffs. Wall Street staged a relief rally after Fed Chair Jerome Powell downplayed inflation concerns.

ADVERTISEMENT

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

Germany’s economic sentiment hits 2-year high, EU exports to US soar

Germany’s economic sentiment hit a 2-year high, but the eurozone’s trade surplus fell sharply. EU exports to the US surged as firms frontloaded shipments ahead of potential Trump tariffs, while the trade deficit with China widened sharply.

Economy

OECD trims eurozone growth outlook as global trade tensions bite

The OECD has lowered its eurozone GDP growth forecast to 1.0% for 2025, down from 1.3% in December, citing weak investment and rising geopolitical risks. Global growth is also revised down to 3.1% as trade disruptions weigh on sentiment.

Economy

Direct impact of US tariffs on EBRD economies to remain limited

As US President Donald Trump continues to shake up the global trading order, EBRD nations aren’t likely to feel the brunt of the disruption. Even so, diminished growth in other countries is set to have ripple effects.

Economy

ECB cuts rates for sixth time since June despite sticky inflation

The European Central Bank cut its benchmark interest rate by a quarter point to 2.5% on Thursday as inflation nears 2% and growth remains weak.

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 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.

Europe News

A business plan for a low-carbon, competitive EU

The European Commission has presented its Clean Industry Pact to support companies in the race to develop clean technologies. It has announced that it is putting €100 billion on the table initially, in response to international competition.

Economy

UK inflation sees further spike as it rises to a 10-month high

January's inflation figure is likely to slow down the Bank of England's delivery of interest rate cuts as inflation remains well above the central bank's government-set target.

Economy

BoE chief says collaboration is key to solving economic imbalances

Speaking in Brussels, Andrew Bailey warned that fragmentation was "bad for global growth" during a time of uncertainty.

Economy

Service industry helps give late boost to UK's economic growth

The UK economy inched up slightly in the last quarter of 2024, ahead of market expectations. However, the country is still dealing with slower growth than some of its other G7 peers.

Economy

Germany’s unemployment rate rises to highest level in almost a decade

A rise in the jobless rate is normal for this time of year, although the scale of the jump points to underlying economic weakness.

Green News

Campaigners brace for stopping London Heathrow’s third runway - again

Heathrow’s expansion plans have been rumbling for 10 years but the pressure has now risen for climate campaigners.

Economy

Spain's economy remains robust with jobless total lowest for 16+ years

Analysts expect Spain's economy to continue to recover in the coming months, despite being likely to stay vulnerable to the continuing effects of the Valencia floods, and with the possibility of tariffs being imposed on the EU by the US.

Economy

Eurozone firms see activity lift but barriers to growth persist

Business activity in the eurozone is now expanding for the first time since August 2024, although the upturn remains modest.

Economy

WEF issues warning over split threat posed to global financial system

Rising geopolitical tensions are increasing fragmentation of the global financial system and pose a risk to both global prosperity and human progress, according to a report from the World Economic Forum.