Europe Economics Update Which country might be next to hold an EU referendum? The UK’s vote to leave the EU has been followed by calls for referendums in other countries. And, notably, euro-scepticism in some countries seems to be even stronger than in the UK. 24th June 2016 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Update UK’s vote to leave EU raises doubts over future of Europe The UK’s vote to leave the European Union will have substantial negative effects on the European economy and raises serious doubts over the future of both the EU itself and the currency union. 24th June 2016 · 1 min read
Europe Data Response Euro-zone Flash PMIs (June) June’s fall in the euro-zone Composite PMI to a 17-month low suggests that strong GDP growth in Q1 was not the start of a more pronounced economic recovery. Indeed, the PMI points to growth slowing... 23rd June 2016 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Update Would a Brexit trigger the ECB’s OMTs? Today’s ruling by the German constitutional court leaves the ECB free to implement its long-awaited OMT programme, if deemed necessary. And a possible trigger for OMTs – Brexit – might be just a few... 21st June 2016 · 1 min read
Europe Data Response Euro-zone Trade (Apr.) While the euro-zone trade surplus jumped to a record high in April, any boost from trade to GDP growth in Q2 is likely to be offset by weakness in other parts of the economy. 15th June 2016 · 1 min read
Europe Data Response Euro-zone Industrial Production (Apr.) Despite April’s strong rise, industrial production is still lower than it was in January. With industrial surveys pointing to subdued growth ahead, it seems unlikely that the euro-zone industrial... 14th June 2016 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Update Are ECB corporate bond purchases already a success? The prospect of ECB corporate bond purchases, which begin today, has pushed corporate bond spreads down and prompted a pick-up in issuance. However, there are several reasons to think that spreads... 8th June 2016 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Update Should European markets be more worried about Brexit? Iceland’s second consecutive quarterly fall in GDP was down to the volatility of trade. The big picture is that domestic demand growth picked up and the outlook is positive. 7th June 2016 · 1 min read
Europe Data Response Euro-zone GDP Breakdown (Q1) Today’s final estimate of Q1 GDP confirmed that the economy got off to a strong start to the year, driven by household spending. But the economy is unlikely to expand as quickly throughout the rest of... 7th June 2016 · 1 min read
Europe Data Response Euro-zone Retail Sales (Apr.) & Final PMIs (May.) April’s euro-zone retail sales data suggest that strong consumer spending growth in Q1 is unlikely to be repeated in Q2, and thus that GDP growth will slow. Indeed, May’s final Composite PMI also... 3rd June 2016 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Update Target2 imbalances highlight uneven effects of QE The recent increase in Target2 imbalances does not suggest that the euro-zone is set for another crisis on the scale of 2011/12. However, it does suggest that countries in the core might be... 3rd June 2016 · 1 min read
Europe Chart Pack Deflation persists Euro-zone consumer price inflation remained in negative territory in May for the second consecutive month and the eighth month overall in the last 18. Fading negative energy effects mean that... 2nd June 2016 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Update ECB holds fire but more easing still likely The ECB is in wait and see mode while it assesses the effects of its latest policy measures, but President Draghi left the door wide open to further policy action. We continue to believe that the... 2nd June 2016 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Update Euro-zone Fiscal Monitor (May) There was some good news last month for public finances in the euro-zone’s periphery as Moody’s upgraded Ireland’s sovereign debt and the EC decided to be lenient with Portugal and Spain after both... 2nd June 2016 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Focus Do negative ECB interest rates lead to higher saving? We disagree with recent suggestions that negative central bank policy rates encourage households to increase their savings, thereby reducing demand and weighing on inflation. In fact, the opposite... 1st June 2016 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Update How would the ECB respond to a Brexit? A Brexit and its after-effects could prompt the European Central Bank (ECB) to undertake further unconventional policy action, including measures to support the euro-zone’s financial sector, FX... 1st June 2016 · 1 min read
