Europe Economics Update Eight quick points about the European elections Projections of the results of the European elections confirm that pro-European parties will continue to have a clear majority in the European Parliament (EP) itself, so little will change at EU level... 27th May 2019 · 1 min read
Europe Commercial Property Update Troubling times for Belgian retail Belgium’s retail sector is under significant pressure from both cyclical and structural forces. As a result, we expect rents to fall again in 2019 and yields to tick upwards slightly. 6th February 2019 · 1 min read
Europe Economic Outlook Missing the global tightening cycle The euro-zone should regain some momentum in the coming months, at least compared to its dire performance at the end of last year. But we think the economy will expand by just 1% in 2019 as a whole... 18th January 2019 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Update What to expect from elections in Europe this year In a busy election calendar this year, the focus will be on the rise of populist and euro-sceptic parties. Elections for the European Parliament in May are the most high profile event, but there will... 17th January 2019 · 1 min read
Europe Commercial Property Update High income returns positive for Brussels offices A positive economic outlook for Belgium and a shortage of available Grade A stock bode well for office rents in Brussels. Foreign investors, in particular, are increasing exposure to the market as it... 11th July 2018 · 1 min read
Europe Commercial Property Update Brussels simmering, but Antwerp retail on the boil Rising consumer prosperity and confidence in Belgium will support decent retailer activity in the next couple of years. However, plentiful supply in Brussels will keep rental growth subdued, allowing... 5th January 2018 · 1 min read
Nordic & Swiss Economics Update How will the SNB respond to ECB tapering? The Swiss National Bank will surely welcome the likely announcement later this month by the European Central Bank that it will wind up its asset purchase programme next year. This will probably help... 5th October 2017 · 1 min read
Europe Commercial Property Update Brussels prime office rental prospects looking brighter Very low Grade A vacancy and steady net absorption are likely to see Brussels rental growth forecasts for this year blown out of the water. We think rents could climb by 12% and a further 3% in 2018. 25th July 2017 · 1 min read
Europe Economic Outlook Outlook has brightened despite political risk The euro-zone has continued to perform very well and we now expect growth to be stronger than the consensus forecast this year and next. Inflation has been lower than we had assumed, meaning that... 19th April 2017 · 1 min read
Europe Data Response German, Spanish & Belgian Flash CPI (Mar.) March’s declines in headline consumer price inflation in Germany, Spain and Belgium reflected some temporary factors. But the big picture is still that underlying inflation throughout the euro-zone... 30th March 2017 · 1 min read
Europe Commercial Property Update Brussels offices offer solid returns for core investors We expect Brussels office rents to climb slowly over the next five years. But even if this proves too tall an order, we think the city’s high initial yield should make it attractive for prospective... 24th March 2017 · 1 min read
Non-Euro Europe Commercial Property Outlook Total returns prospects still strong across the region Concerns about higher inflation and potential rises in interest rates have seen bond yields rise in the last few months. Nevertheless, we think the outlook for bond yields and therefore, property... 27th February 2017 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Update Which countries are most exposed to US protectionism? Germany, Belgium and particularly Ireland are the euro-zone members most exposed to US protectionism, while Portugal and the other peripheral euro-zone economies are the least exposed. 8th February 2017 · 1 min read
Europe Chart Pack Surveys and hard data point to Q4 GDP growth pick-up Recent hard data for the euro-zone have generally been encouraging. Despite falling in November, the level of retail sales remains fairly high after a strong rise in October. And while industrial... 9th January 2017 · 1 min read
Global Trade Monitor World trade still weak as Belgium blocks EU-Canada deal Notwithstanding one or two more positive signs, world trade remains in the doldrums. And the fact that the EU-Canada trade agreement may be scuppered by a regional Belgian government does not bode... 25th October 2016 · 1 min read
Europe Commercial Property Update Large Brussels pipeline to allow Antwerp retail rents to get ahead A subdued outlook for consumption and a large pipeline of new retail developments will mean that rental values in Brussels stagnate next year. But for the first time in at least 15 years, limited new... 30th September 2016 · 1 min read