Europe News Burying money has cost Portugal millions of euros in the last decade Citizens hide money in case of emergency situations. In 2024, authorities recovered a record €1.7 million in banknotes that were not fit for circulation. 21/03/2025
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. 19/03/2025
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. 18/03/2025
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. 06/03/2025
Economy Eurozone unemployment remains at a historic low despite weak economy The eurozone labour market showed resilience following the region’s sluggish economic performance in the last quarter of 2024. 04/03/2025
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. 03/03/2025
Europe News Bulgarian nationalists stage protest against plans to join eurozone Police said that several demonstrators had been arrested, while some officers had been injured during the clashes. 22/02/2025
Economy Manufacturing sector in France sees lowest fall since May 2024 Although France’s manufacturing sector suffered in February, the UK’s services sector saw growth this month, with Germany’s manufacturing PMI hitting its highest reading in 24 months as well. 21/02/2025
Economy Eurozone records marginal GDP growth after forecasts of stagnation Regional output was slightly better than previously thought, although the eurozone is still hampered by productivity woes. 14/02/2025
Economy Eurozone inflation tops forecasts, but euro tumbles on tariff fears Eurozone inflation exceeded forecasts in January, reaching 2.5%, but the euro weakened as fears of US tariffs overshadowed expectations of a hawkish ECB response. European stocks tumbled, with auto shares hit hardest, while bond yields fell as investors sought safety. 03/02/2025
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 IMF chief: Eurozone has tools for greater growth if it learns from US The head of the IMF, Kristalina Georgieva, was speaking at a panel in Davos alongside ECB President, Christine Lagarde. 24/01/2025
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. 24/01/2025
Economy President Trump's return: What it means for eurozone interest rates This president's second term is set to reshape global economic policy, with trade tariffs, tax cuts, and a stronger dollar impacting inflation and interest rates. While the Fed may hold or tighten rates, the ECB is expected to cut further as eurozone growth remains weak. 20/01/2025
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. 17/01/2025
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
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. 06/01/2025
Economy Eurozone services rebound in December, but political woes linger Eurozone services rebounded in December, lifting overall activity despite a manufacturing slump and job cuts. Germany and France remain in contraction, weighed by political uncertainty. Inflationary pressures persist, keeping the ECB's interest rate path uncertain. 16/12/2024
Markets European markets may face pressure following weak Chinese data China reported disappointing retail sales data for November, underscoring ongoing challenges with sluggish consumer demands. The data will likely weigh on the European stock markets, particularly in consumer, energy, and mining sectors. 16/12/2024