Economy Germany's economic sentiment jumps to highest level since last July Germany’s economic sentiment surged in February, with the ZEW Indicator rising 15.7 points to 26.0, the highest since July 2024. Optimism was fuelled by ECB rate cuts, hopes for fiscal stimulus, and a brighter outlook for construction. Investors turned bullish on European stocks. 18/02/2025
Economy ECB flags trade tariffs, competitiveness gap as risks for growth The ECB sees rising trade frictions and regulatory barriers as risks to eurozone growth, with US trade policy uncertainty and global demand slowing. While inflation is easing, policymakers remain cautious, with no pre-commitment to rate cuts. 13/02/2025
Economy ECB's Lagarde signals inflation relief, urges push for a digital euro ECB President Christine Lagarde told the European Parliament that inflation is easing and rate cuts are taking effect but warned of trade risks. She reaffirmed a cautious, data-driven approach and stressed the need for a digital euro to strengthen Europe's financial autonomy. 11/02/2025
Economy French inflation holds steady, raising hopes for further rate cuts Inflation came in below the ECB’s 2% target, a spot of relief for French policymakers contending with budget deficit woes. 31/01/2025
Economy Lagarde hints at further ECB rate cuts, rules out Bitcoin reserves The ECB cut rates by 25bps to 2.75%, with Lagarde signalling further easing if inflation declines. Growth risks persist amid weak confidence and geopolitical tensions. She ruled out Bitcoin as a reserve asset, stressing the need for liquidity and security. 30/01/2025
Economy ECB cuts rates again as inflation nears 2% and growth remains weak The European Central Bank (ECB) cut its benchmark interest rate again by a quarter-point to 2.75% on Thursday as inflation nears 2% and growth remains weak. 30/01/2025
Economy Eurozone economy stagnates in Q4 as Germany and France contract Eurozone GDP stagnated in Q4 2024 as Germany (-0.2%) and France (-0.1%) contracted, reinforcing expectations of more ECB rate cuts. The euro held at $1.04, while bond yields fell. The ECB-Fed policy gap widens as Powell signals "no rush" for rate cuts. 30/01/2025
Economy Federal Reserve holds rates steady: Policy divergence with ECB widens The Fed kept rates steady at 4.25%-4.50%, signalling caution amid strong US growth and elevated inflation. Meanwhile, the ECB faces pressure to cut rates further as the eurozone economy weakens. The euro fell to 1.04. 29/01/2025
Economy ECB set to cut rates this week: Could Trump tariffs cloud outlook? The ECB is expected to cut rates by 25bps to 2.75% on Thursday as inflation nears 2% and growth remains weak. Analysts see further cuts in 2025, but US trade tariffs could add uncertainty. 28/01/2025
Economy Europe must be prepared for shifting US trade policy, Lagarde warns ECB President Christine Lagarde urged Europe to prepare for potential US trade policy shifts, warning of selective tariffs under Trump. Speaking in Davos, she stressed the need for economic reforms, defended the ECB's cautious rate cuts, and flagged energy prices as key to inflation. 22/01/2025
Markets Markets lookahead: Trump’s inauguration, key data and earnings season In Trump’s inauguration week, markets will focus on his policy announcements, which may significantly impact market movements. Other key economic data from major economies, along with corporate earnings, are also set to influence investor sentiment. 20/01/2025
Markets European equities surge to 24-year highs, DAX sets new record European stock markets continued their rally on Friday, with large-cap indices reaching levels unseen in over two decades. 17/01/2025
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. 16/01/2025
Economy ECB follows 'middle path' on rates as inflation risks remain Eurozone inflation fell to 2.4% in December 2024, but ECB chief economist Philip Lane cautions that services inflation and uneven growth persist. A "middle path" on interest rates and structural reforms is crucial for stability. 13/01/2025
Economy Eurozone inflation on the rise: Could ECB cuts be in jeopardy? Despite the rise in inflation, markets continue to anticipate aggressive ECB rate cuts in 2025, with a 25-basis-point reduction expected this month. 07/01/2025
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. 06/01/2025
Markets Market lookahead: Eurozone inflation and US job data take centre stage The eurozone’s flash inflation data and the US non-farm payroll will be in the spotlight of the global markets this week. 06/01/2025
Markets Euro falls to its lowest level in two years against the dollar The euro declined further against the US dollar to a fresh low in over two years amid concerns about the Eurozone’s economy, Trump’s tariffs, and monetary policy discrepancy between the ECB and the Fed. 03/01/2025
Economy Top 7 European cities for real estate investment in 2025 Where should savvy investors turn in 2025 for the perfect blend of charm and strong rental yields? Europe’s top cities offer postcard-worthy streets, vibrant culture, and serious profit potential. From hidden gems to well-known hubs, these hotspots are worth a closer look. 01/01/2025
Markets Challenges facing European markets set to persist through 2025 Europe will continue facing challenges in 2025 amid domestic political uncertainties and global events, such as Trump's tariffs threats and China's slowdown. These factors are likely to continue weighing on market performance, particularly in the car manufacturing and banking sectors. 30/12/2024