Business

Why political meddling over Lagarde’s exit risks undermining the ECB

Analysts say a far-right victory in France would not be able to force through a 'maverick” candidate or rewrite economic policy, though the political manoeuvring risks undermining the ECB’s reputation.

18 February 2026

Economy

ECB says 'no decision made' on Lagarde's potential exit amid reports

Reports on Wednesday indicated Christine Lagarde could step down as ECB President before her mandate expires in October 2027. The ECB asserted that no decision has been made and that the President is focused on her mission, in a response to Euronews.

18 February 2026

Economy

ECB holds rates as inflation cools and economy stays resilient

The ECB held rates as eurozone inflation fell to 1.7% in January, its lowest since September 2024 and below the ECB’s 2% target. Core inflation eased to 2.2% as energy prices plunged.

5 February 2026

Economy

Croatia’s central bank chief nominated as next ECB vice president

Eurozone finance ministers unexpectedly selected the Croatian central bank governor to become the next VP of the European Central Bank. In a surprise move, an official from one of the euro's newest members will soon help shape European monetary policy.

20 January 2026

Economy

Eurozone inflation falls to ECB’s 2% target as price pressures ease

Inflation in the eurozone returned to the European Central Bank’s 2% target in December, offering reassurance to policymakers as price pressures continue to ease.

7 January 2026

Economy

French inflation eases on energy costs ahead of eurozone data release

Energy prices fell more dramatically in December while food prices increased at a faster rate.

6 January 2026

Economy

ECB's Lagarde: AI fuels investment, no rate path set

ECB President Christine Lagarde kept rates unchanged, citing persistent uncertainty and strong AI-driven investment.

18 December 2025

Economy

ECB holds interest rates as eurozone economic growth remains robust

The eurozone has managed to weather US tariffs more effectively than expected. Growth remains resilient, while inflation continues to hover around the ECB’s 2% target.

18 December 2025

Economy

German manufacturing contracts again: Is eurozone growth at risk?

Germany's manufacturing sector contracted further in December, dragging down eurozone output. While services remain resilient, inflationary pressures persist.

16 December 2025

Markets

European banks' best year on record: What's the outlook for 2026?

European bank stocks posted their strongest year on record in 2025, fuelled by resilient growth, high margins, and capital returns. Looking to 2026, the focus is now shifting to earnings growth, efficiency gains, and sustained shareholder payouts.

13 December 2025

Economy

'Europe's existential crisis': ECB's Lagarde calls for urgent reforms

ECB President Christine Lagarde urged the European Commission to dismantle internal trade barriers, warning they stifle competitiveness.

10 December 2025

Economy

Property of the people? ECB says Italy’s gold isn’t political treasure

A proposal to declare Italy’s gold as the property of the people could undermine central bank independence, warned the ECB.

4 December 2025

Europe News

ECB declines to provide emergency liquidity for Ukraine loan

The latest effort to support Ukraine with immobilised Russian assets has suffered a new setback at the hands of the European Central Bank, which warned that the plan would violate EU treaties and undermine the institution's independence.

2 December 2025

Economy

Biggest eurozone members see easing inflation except for Germany

Inflation figures from some of the biggest eurozone economies, including France, Spain, and Italy, show no immediate threat of price hikes. However, German inflation figures came in unexpectedly high.

28 November 2025

Economy

Who does Italy's gold belong to? And why are we talking about it now?

A one-line amendment in Italy’s 2026 Budget has reopened the question of who controls the country’s $300 billion gold reserves, potentially threatening central bank independence.

26 November 2025

Economy

Germany’s economic sentiment stalls as policy doubts deepen

Germany’s economic sentiment held steady in November, with the ZEW index at 38.5. Policy doubts and sector weaknesses persist, while private consumption improved.

11 November 2025

Economy

Eurozone inflation slows to 2.1%, yet Lagarde stays cautious

Eurozone inflation eased to 2.1% in October, nearing the ECB’s target. Lagarde praised progress but warned of global and wage-related risks.

31 October 2025

Economy

ECB keeps interest rate at 2% as growth holds up against trade tension

With inflation subdued and growth steady, the ECB maintained rates at their lowest level in more than two years, matching market expectations.

30 October 2025

Economy

Eurozone inflation hits 5-month high: ECB expected to stay cautious

Eurozone inflation rose to 2.2% in September, its highest in five months, driven by services and energy. Core inflation held at 2.3%, suggesting underlying pressures remain firm. The data reinforces the ECB’s stance to keep rates on hold for now.

1 October 2025

Business

Why do chocolate prices matter to the European Central Bank?

The European Central Bank noted that food prices are increasing faster than inflation on average in the bloc.

1 October 2025