Economy Week ahead: Eurozone inflation, Apple and Meta earnings in focus It is set to be a busy week for financial markets, with key economic data, including the eurozone’s flash inflation figures for April and the US non-farm payrolls, due for release. Additionally, big tech earnings, particularly Apple’s quarterly results, will be closely watched. 28/04/2025
Economy Donald Trump says he has 'no intention of firing' the US Fed chair The US President confirmed that he has no plans to fire the Chairman of the Federal Reserve Jerome Powell. It follows his previous statement about wishing to terminate Powell's mandate, which caused market turmoil. 23/04/2025
Economy Why economists believe the ECB will keep on cutting interest rates Economists predict that the ECB will continue its rate-cutting cycle as global trade tensions rise and eurozone growth slows. Markets expect up to 75 basis points of easing by September, pushing the deposit rate down to 1.5%. 18/04/2025
Economy ECB cuts rates again as Trump tariffs weigh on economic outlook The European Central Bank cut its benchmark interest rate by a quarter point to 2.25% on Thursday as threats to growth outweigh inflationary concerns. 17/04/2025
Economy ECB set to cut interest rates as insurance against trade tariffs ECB expected to cut rates by 25bp to 2.25%—its sixth straight reduction—as inflation cools and tariff risks rise. Economists see the move as insurance amid growth shocks and US-EU tensions weighing on sentiment and policy outlook. 16/04/2025
Markets Week ahead: ECB rate decision, China’s GDP, and major company earnings This week, the European Central Bank’s (ECB) interest rate decision will take centre stage. The bank is expected to continue reducing its benchmark policy rates amid mounting economic risks linked to tariffs. In Asia, China’s GDP will be closely watched by investors. 14/04/2025
Business How Trump’s tariffs could impact upcoming big US bank earnings The US earnings season begins on Friday, with major banks reporting their first-quarter results before the market opens. Despite expectations for solid quarterly performances, analysts anticipate conservative guidance due to tariff-related uncertainties. 11/04/2025
Economy UK house price growth stays stagnant in March ahead of stamp duty hike Northern Ireland continued to experience the strongest house price growth in the UK in the first quarter of the year, followed by the North West. London, meanwhile, struggled. 01/04/2025
Economy Eurozone inflation falls to 2.2%: Could the ECB cut rates this month? Eurozone inflation hit a four-month low at 2.2% in March, but rising monthly prices and persistent services inflation leave the ECB divided ahead of its April 17 meeting, with markets pricing a 65% chance of a rate cut. 01/04/2025
Economy How could the European Central Bank react to Trump’s trade tariffs? Donald Trump’s tariffs may hit EU growth and push up inflation, posing a dilemma for the ECB. While trade slows and prices rise, some economists argue rate cuts remain appropriate, so long as inflation expectations stay anchored. 31/03/2025
Economy Europe’s economic confidence dips again as services sector retreats Sentiment across the European economy weakened again in March, with confidence in services and retail slumping. The euro area’s index fell to 95.2, deepening doubts over recovery momentum. 28/03/2025
Economy Eurozone consumer confidence falls more than expected in March Eurozone consumer confidence weakened as looming trade tariffs raised concerns over growth and inflation. Meanwhile, Germany approved a massive fiscal package, but economists urged caution over immediate excitement. 21/03/2025
Markets European markets drop following week of interest rate decisions The Bank of England kept rates steady at 4.5% on Thursday, as inflation remains sticky and global uncertainty ratchets up. 21/03/2025
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. 20/03/2025
Economy Lagarde: Trade tariffs could push eurozone inflation up by 0.5% A trade war could push up eurozone inflation by half a percentage point alone with detrimental effects on growth, ECB’s Lagarde warns. The ECB president said rising trade tensions and a weaker euro could complicate monetary policy. 20/03/2025
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. 20/03/2025
Economy Swiss National Bank cuts policy rate further as low inflation persists Swiss National Bank continued to lower interest rates in March, while highlighting that external geopolitical risks could still be a threat to the Swiss economy and exports. 20/03/2025
Economy Bank of England expected to pause rate cuts despite contracting output Policymakers find themselves in a tight spot ahead of Thursday’s rate decision, with growth remaining sluggish and inflation stubborn. 18/03/2025
Economy To cut or not to cut? US Fed faces stubborn inflation and weak growth Faced with persistent inflation and a slowing economy, the Federal Reserve finds itself in a tight spot ahead of its interest rate decision this week. 17/03/2025
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. 17/03/2025