Economy Eurozone private sector logs strongest growth in over two years Eurozone private sector activity rose at its fastest pace since mid-2023 in October, driven by strong services growth in Germany. France lagged with deepening contraction. 24/10/2025
Markets European defence stocks rally as summit between Trump and Putin stalls European defence stocks rallied as plans for a Trump–Putin summit were taken off the agenda. Analysts expect sustained defence spending, driven by NATO pressure and ongoing Russian threats despite ceasefire efforts. 22/10/2025
Business ASML gains on earnings beat, but warns of China sales decline ASML shares rose on strong third-quarter results and an upbeat outlook, driven by demand for AI and chipmaking tools, despite concerns over future China sales. 15/10/2025
Economy German economic sentiment edges higher but recovery remains fragile Germany’s ZEW economic sentiment slightly rose in October, yet annual inflation accelerated to 2.4% last month, driven by rising service costs. Markets fell, with the DAX down 0.9%, as renewed US-China trade tensions weighed on sentiment. 14/10/2025
Economy German exports to US slump to 4-year low as Trump tariffs bite German exports to the US fell to a 4-year low in August, hit by Trump tariffs. Shipments to the country dropped 20% from a year earlier, marking the fifth straight month of decline. 09/10/2025
Economy France's political turmoil drags on: What are the economic risks? France’s political crisis is fuelling economic and market uncertainty, with risks to growth and compliance with EU borrowing rules. Bond spreads have widened, reforms are stalled, and analysts warn the ECB may need to act if the situation continues to deteriorate. 07/10/2025
Markets Magnificent Seven surpass EU GDP: Is this a tech bubble warning? The combined market value of the US 'Magnificent Seven' tech giants has surpassed the EU’s GDP, raising concerns of a tech bubble. While valuations are high, comparisons to the dot-com era suggest this may be a structural shift. 04/10/2025
Economy Eurozone inflation hits 5-month high: ECB expected to stay cautious Eurozone inflation rose to 2.2% in September, its highest in five months, driven by services and energy. Core inflation held at 2.3%, suggesting underlying pressures remain firm. The data reinforces the ECB’s stance to keep rates on hold for now. 01/10/2025
Economy Tariffs and a strong euro are hurting Europe’s exports to America EU exports to the US dropped sharply as new Trump tariffs and a stronger euro hit trade, slashing Europe's surplus and weighing on key sectors like cars and pharmaceuticals. 26/09/2025
Economy German business sentiment drops: Is the ambitious fiscal plan at risk? Germany’s business sentiment fell in September, raising doubts over recovery despite fiscal stimulus. Execution delays, labour shortages, and sector bottlenecks risk dragging on growth. Meanwhile, European stocks trail Wall Street as investor focus shifts. 24/09/2025
Markets Why investors are turning bullish on European markets again European fund managers are turning more optimistic as trade tensions ease, inflation fears fade, and central banks start to cut interest rates. Despite US labour concerns, growth hopes remain firm, with investors favouring defensives and betting on a soft landing. 20/09/2025
Economy Euro holds at 4-year highs, European equities soar on Fed's dovish cut European stocks rallied on Thursday after the Fed cut rates to 4.00%–4.25% and signalled more easing. Markets cheered the dovish tone, boosting equities across the eurozone, with tech and bank shares leading the gains. 18/09/2025
Economy Why is Lagarde holding rates? The economy is in a 'good place' Lagarde says the eurozone economy is 'in a good place' as the ECB keeps its benchmark rate steady at 2.00%. With inflation near target and growth revised up, rate cuts are off the table, for now. 11/09/2025
Economy Why investors are ditching bonds for gold in 2025 Gold is shining in 2025, outperforming all major assets. With political instability, doubts over Fed independence, and rising economic risks, gold’s role as a trusted, uncorrelated store of value has made it the safe haven of choice. 09/09/2025
Markets Why September tends to spook European equity markets September is often a tough month for European stocks, with major indices and many top companies typically posting negative returns. 05/09/2025
Economy Eurozone inflation tops estimates in August: Is the ECB watching? Eurozone inflation edged up to 2.1% in August, slightly above expectations but still near the ECB's target. Core inflation stayed at 2.3%. 02/09/2025
Economy Eurozone economic mood slips: French political crisis adds to worries Eurozone economic confidence slipped in August, with sentiment weakening in Germany, Italy and Spain. France’s political crisis, ahead of a no-confidence vote, adds fresh uncertainty as markets brace for possible fallout. 28/08/2025
Economy German consumer confidence slumps again as job fears rise German consumer confidence fell for a third month in August, with income and economic expectations dropping sharply amid rising job fears. Willingness to buy declined slightly, signalling a fragile outlook. 27/08/2025
Economy Digital Euro: What is it and why do we need it? The digital euro aims to preserve the role of cash in the digital era, ensuring secure, inclusive payments and protecting eurozone monetary sovereignty. While it won’t rival the dollar globally, it could strengthen Europe’s financial autonomy. 20/08/2025
Economy Is China finally turning the corner on its economic slump? China's economy shows tentative signs of recovery, but a sluggish property market and geopolitical uncertainty cloud the outlook. Economists remain cautious, warning that while stabilisation is under way, a robust rebound remains elusive. 15/08/2025