Economy

Bank of Japan raises interest rates to highest level in 17 years

Stronger wages have contributed to the decision by Japan's central bank to raise rates to about 0.5%. The BOJ reiterated that it may in the future raise interest rates again, if required.

24 January 2025

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.

23 January 2025

Economy

Eurozone inflation rises for third month as energy costs edge up

Rising services prices were behind the boost in the December inflation figure, although they were offset by a fall in food, alcohol and tobacco prices.

17 January 2025

Economy

ECB minutes show concerns over economic outlook and geopolitical risks

The European Central Bank cut interest rates by 25 basis points to 3% at its December meeting, aiming to support a weakening eurozone economy. However, minutes from the meeting reveal a sharp divide among policymakers on how aggressive the central bank should be in its approach.

16 January 2025

Economy

German inflation shows continued rise, still ahead of ECB's target

The increase was mainly led by rising services and food prices, leaving the inflation rate to remain above the European Central Bank's target of 2%.

16 January 2025

Economy

UK economy returns to growth for first time in three months

The UK economy returned to growth in November following an unrevised contraction in October. It is news that will offer relief to Chancellor Rachel Reeves following the bond market turmoil that has seen her fiscal decisions called into question.

16 January 2025

Markets

European stocks rally following US and UK inflation data

European stock markets experienced a strong rally following cooling inflation data from the UK and the US on Wednesday. However, the weakness in the euro and the pound sterling may persist due to the ongoing economic and political uncertainties.

16 January 2025

Economy

Spanish inflation rate confirmed at 2.8% as fuel costs surge

Increasing transport prices boosted Spain’s December inflation number, with rising culture and recreation prices also contributing to the figure.

15 January 2025

Economy

Germany's economy shrinks for a second year in a row as election looms

Europe's biggest economy shrank for a second year in a row in 2024, according to data released on Wednesday by the Federal Statistics Office.

15 January 2025

Economy

French inflation holds steady in December as energy prices rebound

Rising energy prices boosted France's December inflation figure although falling service costs managed to offset the gain.

15 January 2025

Economy

UK inflation in surprise December dip, raising hopes over bond markets

The rise in the interest rate investors are charging the UK government to borrow money over 10 years hit a 16-year high in recent days, piling pressure on Chancellor Rachel Reeves to cut spending or raise taxes.

15 January 2025

Economy

Energy price surge risks pushing EU economy into stagflation

Natural gas and crude oil prices have surged recently amid rising demands and the US's wider sanctions on Russia. Elevated energy prices could jeopardise the eurozone's inflation outlook and push the regional economy into stagflation.

14 January 2025

Economy

UK inflation highest among G7 countries as energy costs raise prices

The UK has continued to have one of the highest inflation rates in the G7, mainly driven by rising energy prices and ongoing supply chain issues.

10 January 2025

Economy

Eurozone retail trade shows tepid growth after prior drop in October

The final quarter of last year was disappointing for retailers in the eurozone, with little reprieve forecasted for 2025.

9 January 2025

Economy

Inflation eases in Sweden as hopes of rate cut from Riksbank grow

Analysts are now hopeful that the Swedish central bank will lower its key policy rate later this month, following five interest rate cuts last year.

8 January 2025

Markets

Markets react to Germany's surprise inflation climb to 11-month high

Germany's inflationary pressures resurged strongly in December, exceeding forecasts and reaching an 11-month high, with latest data signalling a persistent challenge for policymakers at the European Central Bank.

6 January 2025

Economy

Eurozone economy figures see slowdown for last month of 2024

Shrinking business activity was driven entirely by the manufacturing sector, with France being the weakest-performing out of the three biggest economies within the eurozone.

6 January 2025

Markets

How French bonds became one of the riskiest in the Eurozone

French 10-year bond yields are climbing ever higher, showing a mounting concern for the country's finances. But does the current pricing spell trouble for the country's future debt servicing?

31 December 2024

Economy

Turkish economic prospects show signs of improvement in December

The Turkish economic confidence figures for this month pointed towards a brightening outlook for the country's economy, boosted mainly by a growth in confidence among retailers and service providers.

30 December 2024

Markets

What could shape the markets in 2025? Here’s what the analysts think

After a year of new records on the stock market, 2025 is expected to bring more rallies. But what are the key factors that could move market sentiment in the new year?

25 December 2024