Nordic & Swiss Economics Update Scope for further interest rate cuts in Iceland There is little sign that the Central Bank of Iceland (CBI) expects to reduce interest rates further after today’s cut, but we think there is scope for a further appreciation of the króna to weigh on... 14th June 2017 · 1 min read
Nordic & Swiss Economics Update Should we worry about a new government in Finland? The collapse of Finland’s government will not throw the country’s economic reforms off track. We still expect the economy to grow by about 2% this year. And while the renewed political instability in... 13th June 2017 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Update What do political developments mean for Italy’s economy? On the face of it, the Five Star Movement’s poor showing in recent local elections bodes well for pro-euro parties and Italy’s economy. However, the chance of an early election has fallen, so... 12th June 2017 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Update Macron’s majority bodes well, but reform won’t be easy Results of the first round of French parliamentary elections suggesting that Emmanuel Macron’s La République En Marche will achieve a huge majority bode well for the French economy and for EU... 12th June 2017 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Update ECB eases loosening bias, but rate hikes a distant prospect The ECB removed its reference to possible interest rate cuts today, judging that the threat of deflation has passed. But it is still far from convinced that inflation is on a sustained path towards... 8th June 2017 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Update Spanish banks unlikely to hold back recovery Banco Popular’s difficulties jar with improving conditions elsewhere in Spain’s banking sector, so its forced sale does not appear to signal further trouble ahead and will not hold back the economic... 7th June 2017 · 1 min read
Nordic & Swiss Economics Update The outlook for Nordic and Swiss equities Nordic and Swiss equities have generally performed very well this year, but prospects differ significantly between countries. We expect Norwegian equities to outperform over the next 18 months as oil... 7th June 2017 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Update Low savings rate limits prospects for Spanish spending The weak outlook for real disposable income growth in Spain, combined with the fact that the savings rate is already low, suggests that household spending growth is unlikely to rebound following Q1’s... 6th June 2017 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Update Parliamentary majority will aid Macron’s reform efforts Emmanuel Macron’s party, La République En Marche, looks set to win a parliamentary majority in elections that kick off this Sunday, diminishing fears of political paralysis. But the path to reform... 6th June 2017 · 1 min read
Nordic & Swiss Economics Update What’s behind the turnaround in Finland? The recent pick-up in growth in Finland has been broad-based, and Government reforms have improved the medium-term outlook. We expect GDP growth to beat the consensus forecast this year. 1st June 2017 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Update Euro-zone Fiscal Monitor (May) The latest fiscal data revealed mixed performances by the euro-zone’s peripheral economies, with the largest countries faring best. There was also good news for Portugal, which is no longer deemed to... 31st May 2017 · 1 min read
Nordic & Swiss Economics Update Currencies rise against dollar while bond yields decline The Nordic and Swiss currencies all appreciated against the US dollar in May, but performances against the euro were mixed. Following global trends, government bond yields generally declined. While... 31st May 2017 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Update Euro-zone Monetary Indicators Monitor (Apr.) April’s euro-zone money and credit data point to steady economic growth. But they remain consistent with core inflation below the ECB’s near-2% target. 31st May 2017 · 1 min read
Nordic & Swiss Economics Update Buoyant euro-zone will help the SNB fight franc strength Given the improvement in the euro-zone’s political and economic outlook and the relative stance of monetary policy, we no longer expect the Swiss franc to appreciate against the euro. But the franc... 25th May 2017 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Update Is the recovery in construction built on strong foundations? Euro-zone construction sentiment is now back above pre-crisis norms. And with low borrowing costs set to continue supporting property prices and activity, prospects for the sector are the best in... 25th May 2017 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Update Greek debt relief set to be pushed back again Amid continued discord between the IMF and Germany, any commitment to Greek debt relief looks set to be delayed for another year. The Eurogroup has proposed new loan extensions to make the debt... 25th May 2017 · 1 min read
