Economy
Eurozone inflation falls below ECB 2% target in May: Rate cut in sight
Eurozone inflation fell to 1.9% in May, below forecasts, boosting expectations of an ECB rate cut on Thursday. Core inflation also eased to 2.4%. The euro slipped and bond yields fell as markets priced in a 25bp rate cut to 2.0%.
Economy
Eurozone private sector slips into contraction as services falter
Eurozone private sector contracted in May, with Composite PMI falling to 49.5. Services saw their sharpest drop in 16 months, while manufacturing stabilised. Business confidence hit a 19-month low, reinforcing expectations for further ECB rate cuts.
Economy
Why economists believe the ECB will keep on cutting interest rates
Economists predict that the ECB will continue its rate-cutting cycle as global trade tensions rise and eurozone growth slows. Markets expect up to 75 basis points of easing by September, pushing the deposit rate down to 1.5%.
Economy
ECB's Lagarde: Trade tariffs are a negative shock for the eurozone
Lagarde said the ECB’s rate cut reflected confidence in disinflation and rising growth risks from tariffs, which are set to weigh on demand. The bank dropped its “restrictive” stance and stressed a data-driven, flexible approach.
Economy
Fed’s Powell warns tariffs may upset inflation-growth balance
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell expressed concern over achieving the central bank’s dual mandate as tariffs are likely to drive inflation higher while weakening economic growth. His comments added further pressure on US stock markets and the US dollar on Wednesday.
Economy
ECB set to cut interest rates as insurance against trade tariffs
ECB expected to cut rates by 25bp to 2.25%—its sixth straight reduction—as inflation cools and tariff risks rise. Economists see the move as insurance amid growth shocks and US-EU tensions weighing on sentiment and policy outlook.
Markets
Week ahead: ECB rate decision, China’s GDP, and major company earnings
This week, the European Central Bank’s (ECB) interest rate decision will take centre stage. The bank is expected to continue reducing its benchmark policy rates amid mounting economic risks linked to tariffs. In Asia, China’s GDP will be closely watched by investors.
Economy
How could the European Central Bank react to Trump’s trade tariffs?
Donald Trump’s tariffs may hit EU growth and push up inflation, posing a dilemma for the ECB. While trade slows and prices rise, some economists argue rate cuts remain appropriate, so long as inflation expectations stay anchored.
Markets
Europe’s markets lose steam amid EU deadlock on Ukraine, trade tension
The rally in European stock markets took a breather as EU leaders struggled to secure a €5 billion funding package for Ukraine. Investor sentiment was further dampened by the ECB’s cautious outlook on the economy and inflation, triggering selloffs, particularly in the defence and automotive sectors.
Economy
Lagarde: Trade tariffs could push eurozone inflation up by 0.5%
A trade war could push up eurozone inflation by half a percentage point alone with detrimental effects on growth, ECB’s Lagarde warns. The ECB president said rising trade tensions and a weaker euro could complicate monetary policy.