masthead image 1 masthead image 2 Forecasting and Analysis

International Macroeconomics

Eurozone Weekly Economic Briefings Archive

3 September 2010Can Germany sustain growth in the Eurozone?
27 August 2010Oxford Economics’ study of the Eurozone fiscal crisis
20 August 2010How healthy is the European banking sector?
13 August 2010Has Eurozone growth peaked?
6 August 2010Has manufacturing activity peaked?
30 July 2010Eurozone banks: stress still ahead
23 July 2010Deflation more a concern than inflation
16 July 2010Growth slows amid financial tensions
9 July 2010Can a lower euro restore competitiveness in southern Eurozone countries?
2 July 2010Eurozone outlook – towards a lost decade?
25 June 2010Oil price outlook to 2030
18 June 2010Financial tensions now, and slow growth ahead
11 June 2010Global manufacturing sector rebounds but Europe lags behind
4 June 2010Would a weaker euro relieve Eurozone pains?
28 May 2010The ECB sovereign bond purchase - benefits and risks
21 May 2010Debt crisis to put Eurozone convergence on hold
14 May 2010A positive Q1 but fiscal tightening will hamper growth
7 May 2010Can the new rescue package save Greece from default?
30 April 2010Greece on the brink of default – what are the consequences?
23 April 2010Public and private debt
16 April 2010Can deflation succeed in Greece?
9 April 2010Is the recovery stalling?
2 April 2010Pain on the periphery
26 March 2010Unemployment – is the worst over?
19 March 2010Has the euro really weakened?
12 March 2010Slow and uneven growth
5 March 2010A rapid rebound in manufacturing
26 February 2010Is the economic recovery in Europe and the US sustainable?
19 February 2010Growth slows and fiscal woes remain unresolved
12 February 2010Car scrapping – a mixed blessing?
5 February 2010Banking regulation – are we on the right track?
29 January 2010Is Greece heading for default?
22 January 2010Euro area inflation outlook
15 January 2010Growth slows in the Euro area
8 January 2010Recession and recovery in European cities
18 December 2009Pace of the industrial rebound is set to slow
11 December 2009After a good Q3, a slowdown is likely
4 December 2009The outlook for unemployment – is this recession different?
27 November 2009The crisis, unemployment and productivity – the US versus the Eurozone
20 November 2009The outlook for global construction
13 November 2009The fiscal implications of the crisis
6 November 2009A positive Q3, but will it last?
30 October 2009Global capital flows on the rebound?
23 October 2009Long-term growth implications of the recession – part III
16 October 2009Manufacturing sector is recovering, but will it last?
9 October 2009Long-term growth implications of the recession – part II
2 October 2009Long-term growth implications of the recession – part I
25 September 2009Leaders and laggards, on the way down and up
18 September 2009The worst is over in the manufacturing sector, but the recovery will be slow and fragile
11 September 2009Q2 GDP surprises on the upside, but uncertainties remain
4 September 2009Will the countries hit hardest bounce back fastest?
28 August 2009Global economy emerges from recession – could this lead to a renewed spike in oil prices?
21 August 2009World financial wealth rebounding – a boost to recovery prospects?
14 August 2009Q2 GDP shows signs of stabilisation but the picture is still mixed
7 August 2009Should we worry about the Eurozone banking sector?
31 July 2009European regions face mixed fortunes in recession
24 July 2009Where does the €/$ exchange rate go from here?
17 July 2009Can Asia pull the Eurozone out of the doldrums?
10 July 2009Early data for Q2 are very weak, while the credit markets are still stuck
3 July 2009Unemployment – the next big problem ahead?
26 June 2009PMIs signal crisis easing but recovery still some way off
19 June 2009Time for the ECB to think about an exit strategy?
12 June 2009Could swine flu tip the world into deflation?
5 June 2009Confidence improves, but unemployment is soaring and activity remains very weak
29 May 2009Dismal Q1 for European manufacturing, but some signs that pace of decline may be moderating
22 May 2009Q1 GDP shows the extent of the downturn, but French data less gloomy than expected, so far…
15 May 2009Bank stress tests – are they stressful enough in the US, and what about Europe?
8 May 2009Confidence rebounds but activity still declining
1 May 2009Slump in wealth to hinder global recovery prospects?
24 April 2009Global financial system losses soar again – more bailouts on the way?
17 April 2009Key business centres to be hit hard by recession
10 April 2009Economic conditions still deteriorating in the Eurozone
3 April 2009Is the Eurozone at risk from deflation?
27 March 2009How far away is a global recovery?
20 March 2009Deteriorating public finances to increase strains within the Eurozone
13 March 2009Recession bites harder as global investment crumbles
6 March 2009Deepest manufacturing recession for at least 30 years
27 February 2009Can Germany shoulder the burden of supporting the Eurozone?
20 February 2009Meltdown in central and eastern Europe – a threat to Eurozone stability?
13 February 2009Credit tightening continues in the Eurozone – but first signs of improvement in the US?
6 February 2009Is the credit crunch intensifying in the Eurozone?
30 January 2009Eurozone unity threatened?
23 January 2009Creditworthiness of Eurozone countries under threat?
16 January 2009Recovery will be slower than in the US
9 January 2009Financial meltdown averted – but how deep and how widespread will the recession be?
19 December 2008Major economies switching to alternative policies
12 December 2008Eurozone set to slide further into recession
5 December 2008Should the ECB now implement quantitative easing?
28 November 2008Will a coordinated fiscal boost in Europe revive the economy?
21 November 2008Repatriation flows boost the dollar – but will it last?
14 November 2008Recession set to deepen in the Eurozone and inflation to fall sharply
7 November 2008ECB proves the laggard in race to cut rates
31 October 2008The ECB has been slow to cut rates, will it now act decisively?
24 October 2008Q&A: The financial crisis
17 October 2008European governments develop a rescue plan, but has it come too late?
10 October 2008European policymakers react to financial crisis but growth prospects continue to worsen
3 October 2008Europe needs its own bailout plan
29 September 2008Outlook for growth in major economies deteriorates further as financial turmoil intensifies
19 September 2008Economic outlook deteriorates but inflation may have peaked
12 September 2008Will the takeover of Freddie and Fannie boost US growth or undermine its creditworthiness?
5 September 2008Has inflation now peaked?
29 August 2008Has the former sick man of Europe had a relapse?
22 August 2008Are credit conditions still deteriorating?
15 August 2008The markets turn against the euro
8 August 2008The Eurozone runs into the buffers
1 August 2008Is the credit crunch worsening in Europe?
25 July 2008Can the boom in food prices last?
18 July 2008A new round of financial distress
11 July 2008ECB raises rates as growth prospects worsen
4 July 2008European growth divisions deepen further
27 June 2008Major economies to experience period of below-trend growth
20 June 2008Why are LIBOR rates still so high?
13 June 2008ECB prepares to hike rates despite the economy slowing
6 June 2008Persistently high oil prices threaten growth in the Eurozone, but ECB likely to worry more about inflation
30 May 2008Industry in Europe outperforms the US and Japan
23 May 2008Monetary policy is on hold - can fiscal policy help support growth?
16 May 2008Germany and France pick up pace into a headwind, but are set to flag over the coming months
9 May 2008Signs of a slowdown increasing but interest rates to remain on hold
2 May 2008The hawkish bias of the ECB
25 April 2008The global M&A outlook
18 April 2008Is this the first global property crisis?
11 April 2008Inflation worries increasing but businesses remain upbeat
4 April 2008What are the main downside risks to growth in the short-term?
28 March 2008Will the labour market provide a buffer against the repercussions of the credit crunch?
21 March 2008Bear Stearns sends shockwaves as risk aversion spikes again
14 March 2008Activity holding up well but strong euro a concern
7 March 2008Inflation stuck above 3%
29 February 2008Confident business sector boosts euro
22 February 2008Is the ECB bailing out Eurozone banks?
15 February 2008Eurozone growth seen at 1.7% in 2008, and interest rates to remain on hold
8 February 2008Eurozone growth divisions resurface – how will the ECB respond?
1 February 2008Can European companies live with the strong euro?
25 January 2008Stock market slump shifts the Fed – will the ECB follow?
18 January 2008Is there any evidence that the credit crunch is hurting the wider economy?
11 January 2008Eurozone faces a number of headwinds that will keep growth around trend
4 January 2008Malta and Cyprus join the EMU
21 December 2007Confidence falls as inflation jumps and a slowdown looms
14 December 2007Central banks coordinate action to alleviate pressure on short-term markets
7 December 2007Are inflation expectations on the rise?
30 November 2007Manufacturing output in the Eurozone strong in 2007, but set to slow in 2008
23 November 2007Is the US dollar set to fall further?
16 November 2007No relief from high oil prices…
9 November 2007Everything in moderation…
2 November 2007Higher inflation means next interest rate move is still likely to be up
25 October 2007How vulnerable are Eurozone exports to US$ weakness?
19 October 2007Should Spain be wary of the German construction experience?
12 October 2007Will growth hold up despite a stronger euro and tighter credit standards?
5 October 2007Has the ECB finished tightening?
28 September 2007Where next for the euro?
21 September 2007The ECB is unlikely to follow the Fed’s lead
14 September 2007ECB pauses but is still minded to increase interest rates
7 September 2007The ECB pauses - does this mean interest rates have peaked?
31 August 2007Is business investment booming at the expense of consumers?
24 August 2007Will financial market turbulence affect monetary policy?
17 August 2007Is the Eurozone at risk from the subprime crisis?
10 August 2007ECB still set to tighten further
3 August 2007Financial and business services - the driving force behind the UK's economic success
27 July 2007Where is the risk in global financial markets?
20 July 2007Will inflation be above target by year-end?
13 July 2007Fiscal policy back on the agenda
6 July 2007Are low risk spreads sustainable?
29 June 2007Does the French “growth and confidence” shock add up?
22 June 2007How big a risk is the property market in Spain?
15 June 2007Inflation is likely to dip in Q3, but be above the ECB target at end-2007
8 June 2007Interest rates climb to 4% and are likely to reach 4.5% by year-end
1 June 2007Strong upswing to see GDP growth of 2.7% this year - is this sustainable over the long term?
25 May 2007Industry to grow well over 3% again in 2007
18 May 2007The Eurozone is set be the fastest growing major economy
11 May 2007Business confidence is driving investment and job creation; euro not yet a threat to exports
4 May 2007As the euro hits all-time highs against the dollar and yen, should we worry?
27 April 2007The Stability and Growth Pact – not gone, but nearly forgotten
20 April 2007Do higher oil prices threaten the benign inflation outlook?
13 April 2007A higher euro could dampen inflation, but its threat to growth is muted
30 March 2007European M&A set for another record year in 2007
23 March 2007Eurozone expansion: fiscal problems, inflation and apathy see Slovakia head the pack
16 March 2007Are higher wages a threat to growth?
9 March 2007Current financial market volatility shouldn’t knock Eurozone growth off track
2 March 2007Inflation could fall to 1.5% by May, but the ECB will keep on raising rates
23 February 2007France: from first to worst - have the presidential candidates got the answers?
16 February 2007The Eurozone outperforms the US again - how long can it last?
9 February 2007Is the Yen/€ exchange rate hitting the Eurozone’s industrial performance?
2 February 2007Is Eurozone inflation set to fall significantly below target?
26 January 2007How is the destination of Eurozone exports changing?
19 January 2007Italy: not as sickly as we thought?
12 January 2007Can stockmarkets in the Eurozone continue to rise?
5 January 200712 becomes 13 as Slovenia joins the Eurozone
22 December 2006How important are exports for growth in the Eurozone?
15 December 2006Is the ECB correct to assert monetary policy is still accommodative?
8 December 2006Can German GDP growth hit 2% in 2007 despite the VAT hike?
1 December 2006Is the recent rapid rise in the euro likely to continue?
24 November 2006Does current M3 growth point to upside inflation risks?
17 November 2006GDP growth slowed in Q3, but should end 2006 strongly
10 November 2006How much slack is there in the Eurozone economy?
3 November 2006Do consumers in Germany realise that VAT is set to rise?
27 October 2006Has the Eurozone turned the productivity corner?
20 October 2006How long will inflation stay below 2%?
13 October 2006Italy - will the 2007 budget deliver on growth and structural reform?
6 October 2006Should we be more optimistic over prospects for greater investment?
29 September 2006Italy – not so sick after all?
22 September 2006Growth has probably peaked, but are there upside risks?
15 September 2006German yield curve close to inversion, does this signal recession?
8 September 2006Projected doubling of old age dependency ratio has significant implications for financial markets and fiscal policy
1 September 2006Q2 data unexpectedly strong but doubts about recovery persist; ECB signals further rate hike in October
28 July 2006Should the ECB be more worried about inflation?
21 July 2006Is tax competition still an issue?
14 July 2006German healthcare reform falls short; rise in payroll tax in January will dilute offsets to 3% rise in VAT from January
7 July 2006Unusual divergence of views among ECB council members recently, but this week’s press conference unambiguously hawkish
30 June 2006Eurozone economy could grow 0.7% in Q2, strongest for more than two years
23 June 2006Factors underlying recent EUR weakness against the USD and reasons for this to go into reverse early in 2007
16 June 2006Despite strong household consumption in Q1, we remain cautious
9 June 2006ECB raises rates by 25 basis points as expected, more rises to come as activity data strengthen and inflation and M3 growth accelerate
2 June 2006German government to proceed with VAT hike despite buoyant tax revenues; ECB rate hike of 25bps still more likely than 50bps
23 May 2006ECB and eurozone finance ministers unconcerned by EUR appreciation; March industrial production and exports show strength
16 May 2006ECB may raise rates by 50 basis points at June rate-setting meeting as concern about inflation deepens
9 May 2006Further evidence of stronger growth, with signs of rising employment and retail sales; ECB signals more rate hikes despite EUR strength
3 May 2006Further rise in leading indicators suggests H1 growth may be well above forecasts; inflation tensions appearing, bond market in retreat
25 April 2006Upward pressure on EUR as central banks hold more in reserves and G7 calls for surplus countries to allow currency appreciation against USD
11 April 2006ECB reverses expectations of May interest rate hike, perhaps fearing EUR appreciation; output prices beginning to creep up
4 April 2006Money market rates jump on robust PMI and faster money supply growth; ECB and Fed signal more rate hikes; bond markets in retreat
28 March 2006Leading indicators still point to stronger growth, boosted by exports; domestic demand remains hesitant; inflation may slow to 2.0%
21 March 2006Broad-based acceleration in growth not yet apparent and core inflation remains modest, but ECB itching to raise rates again
14 March 2006First output statistics for 2006 are mixed, German economy racing ahead but France and Italy hanging back
7 March 2006With growth strengthening, ECB believes monetary policy remains accommodating and inflation risks have risen; rates set to rise further
28 February 2006Confidence surveys suggest economy decisively out of low growth trajectory; ECB to move to neutral stance to contain run-away credit growth
21 February 2006Prospects for faster growth in 2006 helped by more upbeat survey results, robust export outlook and upturn in corporate investment
14 February 2006ECB rate hike in March virtually certain and expectations of further hikes by early 2007 have hardened despite disappointing growth results
7 February 2006Firmer leading indicators and high energy prices appear to have convinced ECB of need to raise repo rate to 2.5% on 2 March
31 January 2006Robust recovery in Germany foreshadowed by business and consumer surveys, may soon give euro zone decisive boost to 2%+ growth
24 January 2006New peaks in industrial production and exports, spearheaded by capital goods; upward pressure on EUR may delay next ECB rate hike
17 January 2006Investment shows signs of strength as ECB holds monetary policy stance; soaring commodity prices contrast with slowing wage rises
10 January 2006PMI surveys suggest growth is gaining momentum and that capacity utilisation is high, implying need for greater investment
13 December 2005Stronger data in Germany and Italy improve prospects for sound end to 2005 despite poorer results for France and weak consumer spending
6 December 2005ECB policy still expansionary despite last week's rate hike; growth and inflation prospects probably preclude another hike in near term
29 November 2005Growth losing momentum on subdued consumer spending; prospects for sub-2% inflation undermining ECB rational for rate hike
22 November 2005ECB signals interest rate rise on 1 December, but says not start of tightening cycle and that policy will remain accommodative
15 November 2005ECB aim to raise rates constrained by lack of evidence that inflationary tensions are intensifying and doubts about strength of recovery
8 November 2005ECB toying with pre-emptive rate rise even though domestic inflationary pressures remain low and growth is moderate
1 November 2005Prospect of ECB rate hike hardens as more growth indicators turn up, inflation remains high and money supply growth accelerates
25 October 2005Larger than expected gains in industrial production and exports, coupled with upbeat surveys, suggest economy is gaining momentum
18 October 2005Solid Q3 growth expected as Germany and Italy catch up; another poor week for bonds as Fed signals more rate hikes, ECB itching to follow suit
11 October 2005Solid rise in service sector PMI reinforces positive leading indicators; some doubts about whether strength in exports will be sustained
4 October 2005September indicators unexpectedly positive, but point to only modest acceleration in growth; flare up in inflation should prove temporary
27 September 2005Foreign orders up sharply in July, may help sustain growth despite high oil price; temporary acceleration in inflation to 2.5% expected
20 September 2005German political stalemate another obstacle to euro zone growth gaining momentum; EUR has fallen but bonds benefit
13 September 2005Pessimism generated by hurricane Katrina recedes; growth not expected to weaken by much and US monetary policy to continue to tighten
6 September 2005Recovery not written off but doubts deepen as oil prices scale new peaks and EUR firms; bond market prices in recession
26 July 2005Prospects of modest export-led growth in H2 improves as EUR settles near USD1.20 and global economy shrugs off oil price rise
19 July 2005Oil-driven pick-up in inflation further hardens ECB opposition to lower rates even though growth forecasts are still being scaled back
12 July 2005Q2 GDP growth probably just 0.25%; Q3 prospects pinned on boost to exports from lower EUR and stronger global economy
5 July 2005Acceleration in money supply growth may stiffen ECB opposition to rate cut despite absence of any signs of growth gaining momentum
28 June 2005Slight improvement in leading indicators reduces likelihood of early ECB rate cut, but bond yields fall to new low
22 June 2005ECB reportedly divided on need for interest rate cut; more data awaited before decision is made
14 June 2005Upside EUR momentum appears decisively broken by prospect of further widening in interest rate gap and uncertain growth outlook
7 June 2005Deepening concern about growth and rising unpopularity of European institutions bring first hint that ECB may cut interest rates
1 June 2005ECB continues to stonewall demands for lower interest rates even as leading indicators slide lower still
24 May 2005Core inflation slows to 1.4% and lower oil prices should bring headline inflation below 2%, reinforcing hopes of lower interest rates
17 May 2005ECB under increasing pressure because of persistently weak growth, may be forced to cut interest rates in late summer
10 May 2005Finance ministers may resort to reflationary measures as growth prospects weaken further and ECB feels unable to cut rates
26 April 2005Leading indicators deteriorate again, point to further growth slowdown; weaker exports not offset by improving domestic demand
19 April 2005Weaker activity data hits investor sentiment and boosts government debt; IMF urges ECB to keep open option of interest rate cut
12 April 2005GDP growth in Q1 probably 0.3-0.4%, slightly higher than preceding two quarters; leading indicators signal renewed deceleration in Q2
5 April 2005Leading indicators decline for second successive month; may prompt major fiscal reflation following Stability Pact changes
22 March 2005Proposed easing of Stability Pact may bring measures to lift economy out of rut; inflation to decline below 2% despite record oil prices
15 March 2005Robust German output and exports suggest better start to 2005 for eurozone, but prospects uncertain with EUR again on uptrend
8 March 2005Latest PMI surveys signal continuation of modest growth, forcing ECB to stick to accommodative monetary stance
1 March 2005Hopes of stronger growth dashed by series of negative leading indicators, oil prices up again, EUR firmer; but acceleration in M3
22 February 2005Q4 GDP growth disappointing, but modest upturn in leading indicators raises hope that worst of slowdown is over
15 February 2005Prospects for inflation to drop below 2% have hardened; consumer spending should benefit, ECB to keep rates on hold
8 February 2005Global strength brightens eurozone outlook; domestic demand becalmed but should benefit from rapidly rising liquidity and slowing inflation
2 February 2005Early 2005 indicators suggest growth sustained at moderate pace in spite of high oil prices and stronger EUR, but no acceleration in view
25 January 2005Increasing concern about EUR strength as domestic demand remains too modest to take over from exports as driver of growth
18 January 2005EUR appreciation halted for now as prospect of sustained rise in US rates offsets concern about still widening current account deficit
11 January 2005Indicators point to continued sluggish growth; prospect of lower inflation should ensure that ECB remains on hold
14 December 2004Growth revised down on EUR appreciation, inflation also revised down as oil price tumbles; ECB may stay on hold in 2005
7 December 2004Concern about USD weakness mounts as PMI surveys point to near stagnation in manufacturing and slower growth in services
30 November 2004Leading indicators in retreat suggest slower growth ahead; more calls for ECB intervention to halt EUR appreciation
23 November 2004Fears of further EUR appreciation undermining confidence that growth next year will be sustained at 2004 pace
16 November 2004Meagre growth, strong EUR and lower oil prices banish all thoughts of ECB rate hike in near term
9 November 2004Renewed upward pressure on EUR on fears that reinforced Bush administration will neglect twin deficits and go for growth
2 November 2004Consumer confidence beginning to wilt because of high oil price and failure of employment to improve; business remains upbeat so far
26 October 2004Leading indicators point to loss of momentum but no serious slowdown in growth; strong EUR further delays possible ECB rate hike
19 October 2004GDP growth forecasts being revised down as oil price remains high and activity indicators disappoint; temporary dip in inflation
12 October 2004Weak German indicators and persistently high oil price undermine hopes of growth being sustained at 2.2% seen in H1 2004
5 October 2004Surveys inspire some optimism about growth outlook; inflation remains surprisingly docile, allowing ECB to stick to current policy stance
28 September 2004Leading indicators suggest only modest impact from high oil prices; but less robust exports indicate moderation in world economic growth
21 September 2004ECB restates belief that eurozone growth will strengthen further in 2005 while inflation falls below 2%; interest rates remain on hold
14 September 2004Partial indicators suggest good start to Q3, with stronger industrial production and exports, but domestic demand remains languid
7 September 2004PMI surveys confirm that economy continues to grow, but at slower pace; inflation remains unthreatening, ECB signals stable interest rates
1 September 2004No sign yet that high oil price has derailed recovery, but outlook more uncertain; ECB to maintain current policy stance
27 July 2004Leading indicators point to stronger growth, seemingly untroubled by sustained rise in energy prices; early ECB rate rise slightly less unlikely
20 July 2004Marked rise in industrial production in May to be followed by more moderate growth in H2, with inflation remaining at or above 2.5%
13 July 2004Surging German exports suggest eurozone GDP growth in Q2 may be close to unexpectedly strong 0.6% in Q1
6 July 2004Surveys suggest moderate growth but no sign of impending acceleration; monetary policy to remain on hold despite above-target inflation
29 June 2004Recent oil price decline should push inflation below 2% in early 2005 and should encourage domestic demand, which remains lacklustre
22 June 2004Rising industrial production and surging exports confirm recovery being sustained; modest wage rises suggest inflation could fall below 2%
15 June 2004Stronger growth, above target inflation and rising interest rates elsewhere may lead ECB to adopt tightening bias
8 June 2004Surveys suggest moderate growth sustained, no impact from high oil prices on business confidence; but consumer confidence weaker, inflationary pressures rising
25 May 2004Sustained growth not yet assured as consumer confidence remains brittle and with inflation poised to exceed 2.0%; exports still struggling
18 May 2004Unexpectedly strong Q1 GDP growth partly due to special factors and may not be sustained in face of soaring oil prices
11 May 2004Money market rates in futures market rise substantially as higher inflation ends all hopes of ECB rate cut
4 May 2004Widespread rise in leading indicators provides convincing evidence that economy is finally gaining momentum on back of exports
27 April 2004Unexpectedly steep increase in Ifo and NBB leading indicators suggest that Q2 growth may be stronger than meagre Q1 result expected
20 April 2004Industrial production remains lacklustre but EC and ECB maintain that recovery is on track; no policy stimulus in view
6 April 2004ECB leaves door open for rate cut in months ahead if growth fails to improve; more calls for fiscal boost
30 March 2004ECB begins to acknowledge that interest rate cut may be necessary to sustain recovery
23 March 2004Recovery has clearly lost momentum; speculation about ECB rate cut boosting bond market and restraining EUR
16 March 2004Industrial production edges lower, mood becomes more pessimistic; Madrid bombings add to uncertainty
9 March 2004Recovery appears to be losing momentum, but as yet ECB sees no need for monetary boost
2 March 2004ECB expected to withstand political pressure and not cut rates despite disappointing growth and slowing inflation and money supply growth
24 February 2004Industrial production and exports indicate little upward momentum in eurozone economy; inflation expected to fall below 2%
17 February 2004ECB intervention suspected to prevent renewed EUR rise; Q4 GDP results below expectations, prospects for current quarter uncertain
10 February 2004GDP growth forecasts revised higher despite weaknesses; G7 lacks bite to ensure EUR stability, ECB may still have to intervene
3 February 2004Business confidence improves, but consumers remain reticent and profit margins under pressure, leaving economy in low growth trajectory
27 January 2004Early business surveys for 2004 suggest economy coping reasonably well with EUR appreciation; no interest rate cut in imminent
20 January 2004EUR volatility casts even more uncertainty over growth outlook; ECB signals readiness to act should it appreciate much further
13 January 2004Cracks in recovery appear as retail sector confidence sags after weak pre-Christmas spending; EUR strength of concern but no policy response
6 January 2004Business remains confident despite weak consumer spending and appreciating euro; ECB monetary policy to remain on hold for now
16 December 2003EUR at new peak, a tightening of monetary policy that ECB is unlikely to neutralise by lowering interest rates
9 December 2003More robust activity data confirm return to growth, but consumer confidence still weak and EUR rise could go too far for comfort
2 December 2003Leading indicators suggest recovery gathering pace, spearheaded by services; but employment still in retreat and consumer confidence subdued
25 November 2003Against background of sustained global economic growth, further EUR rise would only modestly dampen growth prospects
18 November 2003GDP rebounds unexpectedly strongly in Q3 thanks to rising exports, but industrial production weakens
11 November 2003Marked recovery in services boosts recovery hopes; Trichet stresses continuity, monetary policy remains in neutral
4 November 2003Survey results for October suggest clear recovery in growth under way; employment and consumer confidence remain weak spots
28 October 2003Progress in structural reforms too timid to bring major improvement in eurozone growth outlook for 2004
21 October 2003Strength of world economy remains main hope for eurozone growth revival; expectation of rising interest rates hardens
14 October 2003Bank of France governor Trichet about to become ECB president, expected to steer conservative monetary course
7 October 2003EUR strength seemingly entrenched in market thinking, supported by ECB stating that USD decline is unavoidable and unstoppable
1 October 2003Soaring EUR again undermines recovery hopes; ECB forced to reconsider its neutral monetary policy
23 September 2003Eurozone recovery will be held back if EUR appreciation goes much further, but faster decline in inflation could bring more rate cuts
16 September 2003Facing modest economic recovery prospects, EC appears ready to accept excessive budget deficits from France, Germany and possibly Italy
9 September 2003Return of modest growth looks assured and prospects of another rate cut recede; major clash looming over Stability and Growth Pact
2 September 2003Upturn in leading indicators signals end to prolonged period of stagnation, but growth expected to remain subdued
29 July 2003Initial signs that eurozone economy still lacking forward momentum in Q3; rising fresh food prices temporarily driving inflation above 2%
22 July 2003Fall in industrial production and exports suggest Q2 GDP decline; but German expectations and tax receipts may signal better start to H2
15 July 2003ECB insists it has done enough to encourage growth revival but indicators still weak; at least one more rate cut may be unavoidable
8 July 2003PMI surveys show eurozone economy ended Q2 on downbeat note, mostly blamed on stronger EUR undermining export orders
1 July 2003Mixed indicators prolong uncertainty about timing of recovery; Germany and Italy may follow France in resorting to tax cuts
24 June 2003Modest fiscal stimulus expected to help recovery chances as ECB hangs back on more rate cuts, demanding structural reforms
17 June 2003Major infrastructure investment proposals will take time to boost growth even if speedily approved
10 June 2003After latest monetary easing, fiscal boost before year-end is increasingly possible to help sagging economy
3 June 2003May business and consumer surveys confound hopes of early recovery, but with inflation now below 2% interest rates are set to fall
27 May 2003ECB rate cut on 5 June virtually certain with inflation poised to fall below 2% and appreciating EUR hitting recovery hopes
20 May 2003Pressure for ECB rate cut intensifies as zero growth reported for Q1 and euro appreciation is sustained
13 May 2003Combination of rising stock and bond markets suggests financial markets now banking on moderate non-inflationary growth later this year
7 May 2003EUR surge will further undermine already weak growth in short term; rapid fall in inflation and interest rates increasingly likely
29 April 2003Business sentiment worsens in April and prospects of early resumption of growth recede again; ECB may cut rates in June
15 April 2003Lifting of war cloud and cheaper energy have improved longer term growth outlook, but sluggishness will persist to mid-year at least
8 April 2003Indicators deteriorate again, raising doubts about post-war recovery; slide in oil price widens scope for steep deceleration in inflation
1 April 2003Recession looming as pre-war growth indicators turn down; prolonged conflict to undermine morale further
25 March 2003Initial response of financial markets to onset of war may prove misplaced; outlook for growth remains sombre but inflation is now slowing
18 March 2003Hopes of short military campaign in Iraq have boosted stock markets and undermined EUR, but growth prospects remain subdued
11 March 2003Last week's feeble set of growth indicators and resumed uptrend in EUR point to another ECB rate cut soon
4 March 2003Leading indicators foreshadow neither recovery nor recession; tepid growth to persist, probably prompting ECB rate cut on Thursday
25 February 2003Duisenberg highlights weak growth and easing inflationary pressures, implies ECB may cut rates on 6 March
18 February 2003Steep decline in December industrial production probably exaggerated by seasonal factors but may encourage ECB to cut rates soon
11 February 2003Steep deterioration in German activity indicators suggests that worst for eurozone economy may still lie ahead
4 February 2003Business confidence holding up but consumer confidence increasingly undermined by war fears and rising unemployment
28 January 2003Threat of war undermines already very modest growth prospects; higher oil price delays decline in inflation and interest rate cut
21 January 2003Growth outlook remains subdued for H1 but sustained recovery then possible if Middle East uncertainties, and hence oil prices, have eased
14 January 2003Growth virtually flat, no prospect of near term acceleration; strength of euro sustained, suggesting faster fall in inflation and more interest rate cuts
7 January 2003Growth prospects deteriorate further but stronger euro improves inflation outlook and should facilitate another ECB rate cut soon
17 December 20022002: a blighted year for eurozone but rise in unemployment contained so far, inflation tame; bonds and euro shine
11 December 2002German weakness overshadows some improvement in growth elsewhere in eurozone; EUR benefits from Asian central bank deposits
3 December 2002Modest improvement in business climate may be boosted by imminent ECB rate cut; but German consumer confidence plunges
26 November 2002Underlying Q3 growth in eurozone slows to 1% from 1.5% in H1; gloom deepens as German government's response seen as inappropriate
19 November 2002Growth prospects poor for now but improving for later in 2003 as oil price and war risk recede, monetary policy to ease soon
12 November 2002Growth environment weakens further but prospects for cheaper oil improve; ECB near certain to cut rates on 5 December, possibly by 50 basis points
5 November 2002Slight improvement in industrial activity more than offset by deterioration in services; increasing probability of ECB rate cut before year-end
30 October 2002Q4 growth prospects soften further, recovery in stock markets stalls on negative corporate news; Germany plans restrictive 2003 budget
22 October 2002Stock market recovery undermines hopes of lower rates despite slow growth; France and Germany pressing for looser fiscal policy/lower interest rates
15 October 2002Fiscal policy more supportive as weak stock markets fan fears of recession; ECB gives no hint of lowering interest rates
8 October 2002Growth indicators mostly negative but some bright spots; ECB still reluctant to cut rates despite worrying decline in stock markets
1 October 2002Leading indicators decline by less than feared; EC extends time limit for balancing budgets but tightens fiscal rules in other ways
24 September 2002Growth outlook deteriorates as industrial production and exports decline; high oil price keeps inflation above 2%, deferring ECB rate cut
17 September 2002Mediocre growth outlook further unsettled by possibility of military conflict in Middle East and fear of higher oil prices
10 September 2002Growth outlook deteriorates further, but high oil price keeping inflation above 2% and deterring ECB from reducing interest rates
3 September 2002Manufacturing growth near standstill, employment worsening and budget deficits soaring; Stability & Growth Pact doomed in present form
27 August 2002Growth mediocre and inflation stabilising around 2%; monetary policy to remain in neutral
30 July 2002Recovery momentum slows sharply, undermining hopes of robust H2 growth; upstream prices moderating but CPI above 2% in July-August
23 July 2002Activity still sluggish but prospects for lasting fall in inflation below 2% have improved considerably; early rate hike by ECB virtually ruled out
16 July 2002Growth indicators again predominantly negative, suggesting no acceleration from sluggish pace; slump in stock markets adding to gloom
9 July 2002June business and consumer confidence surveys confirm sluggish economy; new car registrations plunge 10%; producer prices fall
2 July 2002Leading indicators suggest modest growth and no sign of acceleration; rising euro improves inflation outlook, averts need for rate hike
25 June 2002Sluggish industrial production and exports mean weak start to Q2; lower oil price, stronger euro and weaker stock markets undermine case for rate hike
18 June 2002Growth indicators mixed, activity strengthening in France and Spain, sluggish in Germany and Italy; more ECB warnings of interest rate hike
7 June 2002Survey data suggest economy has not yet moved up a gear; rise in euro improves inflation outlook and may forestall ECB rate hike
28 May 2002Early results point to significant deceleration in May eurozone inflation, but sustained decline below 2% remains unlikely this year
22 May 2002Modest advance in eurozone GDP restraining ECB from raising interest rates; stronger EUR improves inflation outlook for 2003
14 May 2002Even though inflation may not fall decisively below 2%, weak activity may dissuade ECB from raising interest rates
8 May 2002Growth indicators mediocre and durable return to sub 2% inflation requires euro appreciation goes much further
30 April 2002Growth signals mixed; hopes of US-led recovery dented by weakness in some US activity indicators
23 April 2002Industrial production and exports stabilise after Q4 decline; core inflation to remain around 2.5%; euro stages modest recovery
16 April 2002Hesitant consumer demand and weak corporate investment; inflation may still fall below 2% in May; ECB remains on hold
9 April 2002Leading indicators strengthen further but consumer spending subdued, corporate investment and employment plans on hold
26 March 2002Expectations of recovery mount, but only partially confirmed by indicators; inflation may fall below 2% in April
19 March 2002Recovery in industrial production under way but consumer spending remains subdued; inflation back on decelerating path
12 March 2002Domestic growth indicators show little upward momentum, but US recovery to boost exports
5 March 2002Indicators suggest economy has stabilised at low level; recovery hopes boosted by strong US data
26 February 2002Growth indicators mixed, only partially supporting contention that worst is over
19 February 2002Business leaders and associations sceptical about early recovery; new car registrations slip in January
12 February 2002Growth prospects uncertain despite improved business confidence; inflation to accelerate sharply in January
5 February 2002Business surveys reveal less pessimism but do not yet indicate recovery in growth
29 January 2002Mild improvement in growth outlook and expected acceleration in January inflation to keep ECB on hold
22 January 2002Bleak end to 2001, recovery prospects uncertain with risks skewed to the downside
15 January 2002Leading indicators rise modestly but German economy still deteriorating
8 January 2002Downtrend in growth still in place; rise in inflation in January before rate then plunges below 2%
1 January 2002Leading indicators decline by less than feared; EC extends time limit for balancing budgets but tightens fiscal rules in other ways
18 December 2001Industrial production sliding, ECB revises growth and inflation forecasts sharply lower
11 December 2001Broad deterioration in business and consumer confidence; inflationary pressures fade
4 December 2001ECB unlikely to cut rates again this year, even though indicators point to steep decline in Q4 GDP
27 November 2001GDP to show negligible growth in Q3, leading indicators foreshadow possible steep decline in Q4
20 November 2001Industrial production down again, very modest Q3 GDP growth now expected
13 November 2001Recession spreads to service sector with Germany hardest hit; prospects for sharply lower inflation remain in spite of threat of cutbacks in oil output
6 November 2001Recession in industry deepens, pointing to interest rate cut
30 October 2001Weekly Report
23 October 2001Weekly Report
16 October 2001Weekly Report
9 October 2001Weekly Report
2 October 2001EURO XII WEEKLY REPORT
25 September 2001Euro XII Weekly Report
18 September 2001 Euro XII report
11 September 2001Weekly Euro XII Report
4 September 2001Euro XII weekly report
29 August 2001Euro XII Report
24 July 2001Euro XII Report
17 July 2001Euro XII Report
10 July 2001null
3 July 2001Hilfe Weekly Euro XII Report
26 June 2001null
19 June 2001null
12 June 2001Weekly Report.
6 June 2001HILFE EURO XII REPORT
22 May 2001 WEEKLY REPORT
9 May 2001 WEEKLY REPORT
1 May 2001 WEEKLY REPORT
23 April 2001Hilfe Euro XII Weekly Report
17 April 2001Hilfe Euro XII Weekly Report
9 April 2001Hilfe Euro XII Weekly Report
2 April 2001Hilfe Euro XII Weekly Report
26 March 2001Hilfe Euro XII Weekly Report
20 March 2001Hilfe Euro XII Weekly Report
12 March 2001Hilfe Euro XII Weekly Report
5 March 2001Hilfe Euro XII Weekly Report
27 February 2001Hilfe Euro XII Weekly Report
19 February 2001Hilfe Euro XII Weekly Report
12 February 2001Hilfe Euro XII Weekly Report
5 February 2001Hilfe Euro XII Weekly Report
29 January 2001Hilfe Euro XII Weekly Report
22 January 2001Hilfe Euro XII Weekly Report
15 January 2001Hilfe Euro XII Weekly Report
8 January 2001Hilfe Euro XII Weekly Report
1 January 2001Recession spreads to service sector with Germany hardest hit; prospects for sharply lower inflation remain in spite of threat of cutbacks in oil output
11 December 2000Hilfe Euro XI Weekly Report
4 December 2000Hilfe Euro XI Weekly Report
27 November 2000Hilfe Euro XI Weekly Report
20 November 2000Hilfe Euro XI Weekly Report
13 November 2000Hilfe Euro XI Weekly Report
6 November 2000Hilfe Euro XI Weekly Report
30 October 2000Hilfe Euro XI Weekly Report
23 October 2000Hilfe Euro XI Weekly Report
16 October 2000Hilfe Euro XI Weekly Report
9 October 2000Hilfe Euro XI Weekly Report
2 October 2000Hilfe Euro XI Weekly Report
26 September 2000Hilfe Euro XI Weekly Report
18 September 2000Hilfe Euro XI Weekly Report
11 September 2000Hilfe Euro XI Weekly Report
5 September 2000Hilfe Euro XI Weekly Report
29 August 2000Hilfe Euro XI Weekly Report
21 August 2000Hilfe Euro XI Weekly Report
14 August 2000Hilfe Euro XI Weekly Report
26 June 2000Hilfe Euro XI Weekly Report
13 June 2000Hilfe Euro XI Weekly Report
31 May 2000Hilfe Euro XI Weekly Report
15 May 2000Hilfe Euro XI Weekly Report
2 May 2000Hilfe Euro XI Weekly Report
18 April 2000Hilfe Euro XI Weekly Report
10 April 2000Hilfe Euro XI Weekly Report
5 April 2000Hilfe Euro XI Weekly Report
27 March 2000Hilfe Euro XI Weekly Report
20 March 2000Hilfe Euro XI Weekly Report
9 March 2000Hilfe Euro XI Weekly Report
21 February 2000Hilfe Euro XI Weekly Report
14 February 2000Hilfe Euro XI Weekly Report
7 February 2000Hilfe Euro XI Weekly Report
28 January 2000Hilfe Euro XI Weekly Report
17 January 2000Hilfe Euro XI Weekly Report

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