Weak Eurozone data puts focus on ECB decision on asset purchase programme October 1, 2014 September was a month to forget for the Eurozone as survey data released yesterday shows growth in the manufacturing sector was at a 14-month low over the month. The purchasing managers index (PMI) compiled by Markit scored a 50.3. A score above 50 indicates growth but this very weak growth suggests the Eurozone economy is [...]
Eurozone woes give Draghi leeway on QE September 30, 2014 THE EUROZONE is still flirting with deflation while unemployment remains stubbornly high, opening up the possibility that the European Central Bank (ECB) will deliver further monetary easing when it announces its latest policy decision tomorrow. Figures published yesterday by official database Eurostat showed that unemployment in August came in at 11.5 per cent – the [...]
Eurozone inflation falls to 0.3 per cent as euro hits two year low against the dollar September 30, 2014 Eurozone inflation has dropped again, falling from a sluggish 0.4 per cent to 0.3 per cent. Expectations of the fall pushed the Euro to a two-year low of $1.2659 against the dollar in morning trading. While the figure was in line with expectations, it was nevertheless disappointing, and is likely to increase pressure on the [...]
Eurozone economic sentiment falls to 10-month low September 29, 2014 Eurozone economic sentiment has fallen to its lowest level in 10 months, and below the long-term average, on the back of falling consumer confidence. Sentiment in the region dropped by 0.7 points to 99.9 – below the long-term average of 100 – while sentiment from within the EU also fell, by 1 point to 103.6, [...]
Weak German outlook bodes ill for Eurozone September 24, 2014 German businesses are at their most downbeat in almost two years, influential survey data showed yesterday, indicating the driving force behind any Eurozone recovery may itself be running out of steam. European Central Bank boss Mario Draghi offered further reassurance that interest rates would remain at rock bottom. His intervention helped push up shares and push the [...]
The Eurozone optimists are playing a dangerous game – Investment Comment September 23, 2014 Despite a continuing stream of woeful economic data from the Eurozone, a number of investors and fund managers have become more sanguine about the currency bloc in recent months. Writing in these pages in August, JP Morgan’s Blake Crawford argued that a combination of economic revival, continued low interest rates and supportive monetary policy should [...]
Draghi hits out at Eurozone’s lack of reform September 22, 2014 EUROPE’S sick economies need massive structural reforms if they ever hope to become competitive once more, European Central Bank (ECB) boss Mario Draghi urged yesterday. “Courageous structural reforms and improvements in the competitiveness of the corporate sector are key to improving the business environment,” Draghi told the European Parliament’s economic and monetary affairs committee. “This [...]
G20 states call on Eurozone to sort itself out September 21, 2014 FINANCE ministers from around the world used this weekend’s G20 meeting in Australia to demand European officials act promptly to get the Eurozone economy back on track. The ministers and central bank chiefs discussed financial regulation, tax avoidance and the ways they were going to add an additional 1.8 per cent to their collective growth [...]
Ireland economy booms 7.7 per cent despite ailing recovery in Eurozone September 18, 2014 Ireland’s economy grew by an exceptional 7.7 per cent in the year to June as it apparently missed the news that the recovery was stalling on the continent. Not only was it the fastest annual growth of any Eurozone member, but it had also the fastest quarterly growth at 1.5 per cent, according to the [...]
Relief for the eurozone as inflation stays stable at 0.4 per cent September 17, 2014 Finally, a bit of relief for eurozone watchers: figures published this morning show inflation in the 18-country bloc stayed at 0.4 per cent in August, rather than falling to 0.3 per cent as originally feared. The European Union's statistics agency revised its "flash" estimate upwards – but it remains the eurozone's lowest rate of inflation [...]