Energy, semi-conductors and Italy’s Green Pass

The continued high level of energy prices strengthens our view that euro-zone inflation will keep rising in the coming months. But by lowering consumers’ purchasing power, it could actually reduce inflationary pressure in the medium term. Meanwhile, data released this week added to the evidence that supply problems are weighing on German car manufacturers, and things are unlikely to get better any time soon. Finally, Italy’s new Green Pass requirement for workers came into force today, sparking protests at a number of ports. But so far the disruption seems to have been limited.