Europe Economics Update How might the ECB expand QE? It looks increasingly likely that the ECB will expand its asset purchase programme, possibly even as soon as next month. We think that the Bank will step up the pace of purchases, perhaps to €80bn per... 10th September 2015 · 1 min read
Europe Data Response Euro-zone GDP Breakdown (Q2) Revisions to euro-zone GDP showed that the economy was slightly stronger in the first half of the year than previously thought. However, with inflation likely to fall and growth remain sluggish, we... 8th September 2015 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Update Draghi paves way for more QE While the European Central Bank (ECB) left its key policy instruments unchanged today, changes to its bond purchase limits and President Mario Draghi’s dovish signals appeared to pave the way for an... 3rd September 2015 · 1 min read
Europe Data Response Euro-zone Retail Sales (Jul.) & Final PMIs (Aug.) The rise in euro-zone retail sales in July more than offset the decline in June and suggests that the consumer recovery remains on track. Meanwhile, the final PMIs highlighted the continued poor... 3rd September 2015 · 1 min read
Europe Chart Pack Deflation dangers still lingering While the crisis in Greece appears to have receded at least temporarily, the euro-zone still faces serious challenges in the form of weak growth and persistent deflation risks. As the Chart below... 2nd September 2015 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Update Euro-zone Fiscal Monitor (Aug.) The euro-zone’s peripheral economies appear to have strengthened their fiscal positions further at the start of Q3. But this year’s budget targets still look elusive for most. Greece, in particular... 1st September 2015 · 1 min read
Europe Data Response Euro-zone Unemployment (Jul.) & Final Mfg PMI (Aug.) The latest euro-zone unemployment data offered hope that the slow recovery in the region’s labour market has not gone into reverse. But the bigger picture is that unemployment remains too high to... 1st September 2015 · 1 min read
Europe Data Response EC Business & Consumer Survey (Aug.) August’s EC business and consumer survey provides some reassurance that the eurozone’s economic recovery has continued in Q3, despite the turmoil in global stock markets this month. But the pace of... 28th August 2015 · 1 min read
ECB Watch Euro’s rise puts Draghi under pressure again The rise in the euro exchange rate has put the onus on the ECB to maintain and perhaps increase monetary policy support. We doubt that the Bank will announce any policy changes following its meeting... 27th August 2015 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Update Euro-zone Monetary Indicators Monitor (Jul.) July’s euro-zone monetary data suggest that Q2’s slowdown in GDP growth is not the beginning of a more substantial downturn. Nevertheless, growth is likely to remain sluggish. And the problems in... 27th August 2015 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Update Will the euro’s rise stall the recovery? Agriculture accounts for 2% of GDP while the livestock sector is probably 1% or less. Accordingly, a 10% reduction in livestock output would reduce GDP by 0.1% for as long as it lasts. This accords... 25th August 2015 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Weekly Greek election adds to bailout implementation risks Prime Minister Tsipras’ decision to call an election threw the Greek situation back into disarray only hours after he secured Greece’s first bailout payment last week. Tsipras should win, perhaps with... 21st August 2015 · 1 min read
Europe Data Response Euro-zone Flash PMIs (Aug.) August’s rise in the euro-zone composite PMI came as a relief after last month’s fall and signs of a slowdown in other indicators. But it still points to modest growth that will do little to erode the... 21st August 2015 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Update Greek bailout approved, but implementation doubtful The German Parliament’s approval of the third Greek bailout should prompt payments allowing Greece to narrowly avoid default yet again. But Grexit risks have not disappeared and are likely to flare up... 19th August 2015 · 1 min read
Global Economics Update Risk of deflation still confined to euro-zone and Japan Fears of a period of widespread deflation look misplaced, in our view, despite the recent fall in oil prices and China’s devaluation. Domestic forces will continue to be the key drivers of inflation... 18th August 2015 · 1 min read
Europe Data Response Euro-zone Trade (Jun.) June’s euro-zone goods trade data suggested that net trade boosted GDP growth in Q2. But as the effects of the weaker euro fade, export growth might soon slow again. 17th August 2015 · 1 min read
