Global Markets Update Franco-German divergence spells trouble ahead Although purchasing managers surveys for July, released earlier today, suggest that the economicrecovery in the euro-zone as a whole is regaining momentum, they also still show a large gap betweenthe... 24th July 2014 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Update Subsidence in the French construction sector Construction is set to remain one of the worst performing parts of the French economy. The sector’sproblems are symptomatic of the challenges facing the broader economy. 18th July 2014 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Focus France to fall further behind Germany The recent underperformance of the French economy compared to Germany reflects fundamentalfactors that will drive an even greater wedge between the two economies over time. Thisdivergence will... 17th July 2014 · 1 min read
Europe Data Response French & Italian Industrial Production (May) The sharp falls in Italian and French industrial production in May were another sign that the sector’s recovery is already flagging before it has even really begun. 10th July 2014 · 1 min read
Europe Commercial Property Update Will France’s large shopping centre pipeline put pressure on rents? France’s large shopping centre pipeline is consistent with the below average level of existing stock. Although it is unlikely to result in a supply overhang, given the weak retail demand fundamentals... 9th July 2014 · 1 min read
Europe Economic Outlook As good as it gets? While the European economic recovery probably picked up a bit of speed in the second quarter of the year, there are growing signs that Q2 was as good as it is likely to get. Activity indicators in the... 8th July 2014 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Update PMIs highlight France’s stuttering recovery The French economy is probably faring a little better than June’s dreadful PMIs suggest. But more austerity and weak competitiveness mean that it will continue to weigh on the euro-zone’s recovery. 23rd June 2014 · 1 min read
Europe Commercial Property Update Yield compression to boost Paris industrial property values Paris industrial occupier conditions continue to be challenging. Yet the increasing need for modern stock could still drive rental growth. And, with increased investor appetite for logistics exposure... 12th June 2014 · 1 min read
Europe Data Response French & Italian Ind. Production (Apr.)/ Italian GDP (Q1) Today’s Italian Q1 GDP breakdown and industrial production data suggested that the economy might return to growth in Q2. But France’s latest industrial production figures show that the recovery there... 10th June 2014 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Weekly France's recovery to be snail-paced France’s economy hasn’t picked up much steam since it stagnated in Q1. Although the outlook for the second half of the year is a little brighter, the recovery will remain pretty weak. The resulting... 26th May 2014 · 1 min read
Europe Data Response Euro-zone Flash PMIs (May 14) May’s PMIs suggested that the euro-zone recovery remains lacklustre and highlighted the continued divergence between France and Germany. 22nd May 2014 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Weekly German engine can’t power euro-zone recovery While the German economy expanded by an impressive 0.8% in Q1, this failed to spur growth elsewhere in the euro-zone and the region's GDP rose by just 0.2%. Possible explanations for this are the fact... 19th May 2014 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Weekly The unhelpful divergence between France and Germany Data released last week suggested that the euro-zone recovery gained more traction at the start of Q2. But there remains a worrying divergence between France and Germany which risks holding back the... 28th April 2014 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Weekly Negative rates are no silver bullet on their own A negative interest rate on banks' excess reserves at the ECB might have some effect on banks' behaviour and at least prove that the ECB is prepared to follow its dovish words with action. But it must... 21st April 2014 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Update France’s reform effort inches forward Although France’s short-term outlook remains weak, the new French Government’s recent policy announcements provide hope that France is slowly tackling its significant competitiveness problems. 16th April 2014 · 1 min read
Europe Economic Outlook Deflation dangers persist The recovery in the European economy appears to have picked up a bit of speed in the early months of 2014. The euro-zone now looks set to expand by 1% or more this year, a significant improvement on... 10th April 2014 · 1 min read
