Europe Data Response German Ifo Survey (Oct.) October’s German Ifo survey echoed the message from other indicators that growth may be slowing, although the Volkswagen scandal seems to be having little impact on the car industry for now. 26th October 2015 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Weekly ECB QE expansion now more likely than ever ECB President Mario Draghi surprised many with his very dovish comments at the press conference that followed last week’s ECB Governing Council meeting. But he remained coy about what tools the Bank... 23rd October 2015 · 1 min read
UK Economics Weekly Both pros and cons of leaving EU often overstated Although he said that it would be “a bit of a yawner”, Bank of England Governor Mark Carney’s speech on the UK’s membership of the EU contained something for both the pro- and anti-Europe camps to... 23rd October 2015 · 1 min read
Europe Data Response Euro-zone Flash PMIs (Oct.) October’s rise in the euro-zone composite PMI suggested that the region’s recovery continued at a modest pace at the start of Q4. But the fading boosts from the lower oil price and weaker euro point... 23rd October 2015 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Update ECB all but promises more support in December While the European Central Bank left monetary policy unchanged today, President Draghi gave even stronger-than-anticipated signals that the QE programme will be expanded in December. 22nd October 2015 · 1 min read
Europe Commercial Property Focus Has investment activity in Central Europe plateaued? Investment activity appears to have plateaued in Central Europe. But if one includes ‘platform deals’, the picture is more positive. That said , there are factors holding volumes back, including a mis... 22nd October 2015 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Update Austria’s banks casting a smaller shadow over the economy Austria’s banking sector is still struggling with the legacy of the 2008 crisis when its large exposure to Emerging Europe brought it to the brink of collapse. However, in its current state, with... 21st October 2015 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Update How is Norway coping with lower oil prices? The decline in oil prices has weighed on the Norwegian mainland economy and things could get worse before they get better. But ramped-up policy support from the Government and central bank next year... 20th October 2015 · 1 min read
Europe Data Response ECB Bank Lending Survey (Oct.) The ECB’s October Bank Lending Survey (BLS) revealed a slight loosening of credit conditions for firms and stronger demand for loans. It also gave positive signals about the effects of QE on bank... 20th October 2015 · 1 min read
Nordic & Swiss Economics Update How is Norway coping with lower oil prices? The decline in oil prices has weighed on the Norwegian mainland economy and things could get worse before they get better. But ramped-up policy support from the Government and central bank next year... 20th October 2015 · 1 min read
Europe Commercial Property Update Cities to see stronger population growth than Germany as a whole 19th October 2015 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Update Swiss election doesn’t change gloomy economic outlook The shift to the right in yesterday’s Swiss election will mean continued resistance to immigration and perhaps more business-friendly policies. But exchange rate developments are more important for... 19th October 2015 · 1 min read
Nordic & Swiss Economics Update Swiss election doesn’t change gloomy economic outlook The shift to the right in yesterday’s Swiss election will mean continued resistance to immigration and perhaps more business-friendly policies. But exchange rate developments are more important for... 19th October 2015 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Weekly Italian and Irish budgets highlight contrasting fortunes While in last week’s Budget the Irish Government talked up its proposed tax cuts, the big picture was one of continued fiscal consolidation. All else equal, this will drag on growth. But Ireland’s... 16th October 2015 · 1 min read
Europe Data Response Euro-zone Trade (Aug.) August’s euro-zone goods trade data showed that weakening global demand over the summer took a toll on the region’s exporters, causing the trade surplus to fall from a record high. 16th October 2015 · 1 min read
ECB Watch QE expansion coming soon if not this month Recent comments from Governing Council members suggest that the ECB may not be ready to increase its policy support when it meets on 22nd October. But President Draghi is likely to reiterate concerns... 15th October 2015 · 1 min read