Economy
ECB's Lagarde warns of severe economic hit from Trump's trade wars
ECB’s Lagarde warns Trump’s trade war could hit global growth, inflation. She indicates that escalating tariffs risk severe economic consequences, while stressing the ECB’s challenge in stabilising inflation amid record-high uncertainty.
Markets
Euro erases post-Trump election losses: Is the rally just beginning?
The euro has surged to 1.0850 against the dollar, erasing post-Trump election losses after a 4.4% weekly gain—its strongest since 2009. While Germany’s fiscal overhaul fuels optimism, analysts are split on whether the rally can last.
Economy
Will the European Central Bank cut interest rates further this week?
The European Central Bank (ECB) is set to reduce its interest rate further this week due to economic concerns. Meanwhile, Donald Trump has vowed to impose 25% tariffs on the EU, sparking concerns of a further growth slowdown.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.