EU Decoded EU DECODED: Will the Digital Euro strengthen financial security? In this episode we talk about a new payment method that is being studied by the European Central Bank: the digital euro. Do we need another alternative for online payments and could this project have negative impacts on the banking system? 13/11/2024
Economy Trump policies may push ECB to cut rates, Draghi urges reform efforts Trump’s protectionist policies could push the ECB to cut rates faster than predicted, as renewed tariffs on European exports threaten growth. Draghi urges EU reforms to bridge the tech gap and calls for a united stance in trade talks with the US. 08/11/2024
Economy Eurozone inflation figures see rise above forecasts for October Eurozone inflation hit 2% in October, exceeding forecasts and up from September's 1.7%, driven by services and food prices. Germany witnessed unexpected price increases. The euro strengthened. 31/10/2024
Markets Weekly recap: Uncertainty moves markets into retreat from highs Global markets are set to finish the week lower due to uncertainties surrounding the economic and political landscape ahead of the US presidential election and the Japanese general election. Risk-off sentiment shaped market trends as precious metal prices surged. 25/10/2024
Economy Will the European Central Bank opt for a large rate cut in December? Money markets see an increased likelihood of the European Central Bank (ECB) deepening its rate cuts in December following weak economic data. However, analysts expect the bank to maintain a gradual approach to rate reductions due to the persistent upside risks in inflation. 25/10/2024
Economy ECB’s Lagarde stays cautious on rate cuts, urges competitive reforms ECB's Christine Lagarde emphasised a cautious, data-driven approach to further rate cuts. She highlighted the need to address productivity gaps, energy costs, and digitalisation, calling for immediate action. 23/10/2024
Markets What key factors could keep the euro under pressure for some time? The euro extended its losses against other major currencies within the G-10 group, with the EUR/USD pair dropping below the pivotal 1.08 level on Tuesday. The single currency may remain weak for some time. 23/10/2024
Business Week ahead: A look forward to what might be moving the markets This week, several key trends are capturing investors' attention, including eurozone economic activity, central bank rate decisions, and major companies' quarterly earnings. 21/10/2024
Economy ECB watchers see more rate cuts to come after October decision Economists expect the ECB to continue rate cuts, aiming for 2% by mid-2025. Lagarde's focus on downside inflation risks and weak growth signals further easing. 18/10/2024
Markets Markets weekly recap: DAX hits a new high as the ECB cuts Stock markets on both sides of the Atlantic will likely end the week on a positive note, with sentiment buoyed by the European Central Bank’s (ECB) rate cut and robust US corporate earnings. In contrast, Chinese stocks continued their retreat as optimism from the recent market frenzy faded. 18/10/2024
Economy ECB rate cuts: 'We're breaking the neck of inflation,' says Lagarde Inflation is on track to hit the medium-term 2% target in 2025. The ECB remains data-dependent, with no pre-commitment to future rate changes. 17/10/2024
Economy ECB cuts rates again as inflation falls below target The 25 basis point cut, expected by analysts, arrives against a backdrop of settling inflation and anaemic growth. 17/10/2024
Markets Euro under pressure ahead of European Central Bank rate decision The euro began its downtrend against the US dollar at the end of September after reaching a 15-month high. Despite a potential near-term rebound, analysts suggest the euro's weakness may persist. 17/10/2024
Markets Where to look for top-performing European stocks as interest rates dip As interest rates fall, European stocks in sectors such as financials, consumer discretionary, and industrials tend to outperform. These sectors benefit from lower borrowing costs, increased consumer spending, and higher capital investments, driving market gains. 16/10/2024
Economy Germany's economic sentiment improves, DAX index hits record highs October's rise was driven by interest rate cut expectations and export optimism, despite a worsening current outlook. The DAX hit record highs, boosted by falling oil prices and a weakening euro, outperforming other European indices. 15/10/2024
Economy Will the ECB deliver another rate cut at this week's meeting? The ECB is expected to announce a rate cut on Thursday, responding to falling inflation and worsening economic conditions. Eurozone inflation fell to 1.8% in September, while weak PMI data indicates economic stagnation. 14/10/2024
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