Germany’s annual inflation accelerated more than forecast in December, driven by surging food prices and a smaller decline in energy costs compared to recent months. Preliminary data from the federal statistics office revealed that the annual consumer price inflation rate climbed to 2.8%, surpassing the 2.6% predicted by analysts polled …
Read More »Corporate Bankruptcies In Germany Touch 2008’s Levels, Record High In Switzerland
A survey conducted in December 2024 revealed a decline in German corporate confidence. Corporate bankruptcies in Germany have risen to levels comparable to those seen during the 2008 financial crisis. German corporates are in a range where some months could easily reach their highest levels in 20 years. During the …
Read More »Dollar Strengthens to Two-Year High as Yen and Global Currencies Struggle
The U.S. dollar ended the week on a high note, hitting a two-year peak as hawkish signals from the Federal Reserve continued to bolster its appeal. In contrast, global currencies faced significant pressure, with the yen, sterling, and commodity-linked currencies like the Australian and New Zealand dollars recording steep losses. …
Read More »U.S. Dollar Holds Firm Ahead of Fed’s Policy Decision Amid Global Currency Shifts
The U.S. dollar maintained its strength on Wednesday as investors braced for the Federal Reserve’s highly anticipated policy decision. The central bank is expected to implement a “hawkish cut,” reducing interest rates by 25 basis points while signaling a more restrained approach to easing in 2025. Markets are keen to …
Read More »Gas and Electricity Prices Surge: A Perfect Storm Brewing
The global energy landscape is facing a perfect storm of soaring gas and electricity prices, driven by a confluence of factors that are set to impact consumers and businesses worldwide. As winter approaches, the situation is expected to worsen, with potential consequences for economies and societies.The Power CrisisThe recent spike …
Read More »German Business Morale Drops as Industrial Slump Deepens, but Investors Eye Optimism
German business sentiment deteriorated more than expected in December, as companies grappled with geopolitical uncertainty, industrial stagnation, and broader economic headwinds in Europe’s largest economy. Ifo Business Climate Index Falls The Ifo Institute’s business climate index fell to 84.7 in December, down from a downwardly revised 85.6 in November. This …
Read More »US Dollar Strengthens on Upbeat Services PMI
The US Dollar (USD) gained strength on Monday, as positive economic data bolstered investor sentiment. The preliminary S&P Global Services Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) for December came in at 58.5, significantly surpassing expectations of 55.7 and the previous reading of 56.1. This robust figure indicates a strong expansion in the …
Read More »German Retail Sales Decline Sharply in October, Surpassing Expectations
German retail sales contracted by a larger-than-anticipated margin in October, highlighting ongoing consumer uncertainty amid challenging economic conditions. Monthly sales fell by 1.5%, significantly exceeding the 0.3% decline predicted by analysts polled by Reuters, according to data released on Friday by the German Federal Statistical Office. Mixed Sector Performance The …
Read More »German Consumer Sentiment Declines Sharply Amid Economic Uncertainty
German consumer sentiment is set to decline significantly in December, breaking a streak of improvements as households face growing concerns about job security and economic prospects, according to a survey released on Wednesday. Key Survey Results The GfK Consumer Sentiment Index, published by the Nuremberg Institute for Market Decisions (NIM), …
Read More »Euro Zone Business Activity Slumps Amid Manufacturing and Services Declines
Euro zone business activity suffered an unexpected and sharp downturn in November, as the region’s services sector joined manufacturing in contraction. HCOB’s composite Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) for the euro zone, compiled by S&P Global, plummeted to a 10-month low of 48.1, well below the 50 threshold that delineates expansion …
Read More »