Germany sees brighter outlook for Europe’s largest economy
1 year, 10 months ago

Germany sees brighter outlook for Europe’s largest economy

Associated Press  

FRANKFURT, Germany — The German government on Wednesday said it expects to eke out economic growth this year instead of a decline as Europe’s largest economy manages its energy divorce from Russia and shells out support for consumers and businesses hit by higher energy costs. The improved outlook “didn’t fall from heaven — we accomplished it, this country accomplished it.” Habeck said growth would turn out close to zero for the last months of 2022 and the first part of this year and could be slightly negative. Germany has introduced price caps on electricity and natural gas as part of 200 billion euros in added government spending, enabling people to buy 80% of their heat or electricity at fixed prices. With prospects for Europe’s largest economy looking less gloomy, more economists are now saying the 20 countries that use the euro currency may avoid a shallow technical recession.

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History of this topic

Germany’s economy is in trouble. The government’s collapse and Trump’s return bring more risk
1 month, 2 weeks ago

Germany’s economy is in trouble. The government’s collapse and Trump’s return bring more risk

Associated Press  

WARSAW, Poland — The collapse of Germany’s governing coalition and President-elect Donald Trump’s imminent return to the White House are creating new risks for the European Union’s biggest economy, already in a troubling decline. “At the European level, political instability in Germany is not good news,’' Antonio Villafranca, vice president of the Italian think tank ISPI, said, noting that a …

Germany: Europe’s biggest economy is in crisis. Just look at Volkswagen
1 month, 3 weeks ago

Germany: Europe’s biggest economy is in crisis. Just look at Volkswagen

CNN  

London CNN — Germany narrowly escaped a recession in the third quarter, official data showed Wednesday, offering some relief to Europe’s biggest economy as its fortunes falter. “The biggest worry is currently the big pessimism in Germany,” said Marcel Fratzcher, president of the German Institute for Economic Research in Berlin. “We are not experiencing a crisis in the automotive industry, …

Europe’s economy shows signs of life with 0.3% growth in 1st quarter as inflation, energy woes ease
7 months, 3 weeks ago

Europe’s economy shows signs of life with 0.3% growth in 1st quarter as inflation, energy woes ease

Associated Press  

FRANKFURT, Germany — Europe’s economy perked up slightly at the start of the year, recording 0.3% growth in the January-March quarter compared to the last three months of 2023 as the inflation burden on consumers eased and the stagnating German economy, the continent’s biggest, started to show modest signs of life. The 20-country eurozone recorded its strongest performance since the …

Gloom settles over Germany’s economy, with businesses downbeat about the coming months
10 months ago

Gloom settles over Germany’s economy, with businesses downbeat about the coming months

Associated Press  

FRANKFURT, Germany — Germany’s businesses remain mired in pessimism, a key survey showed Friday, as Europe’s largest economy struggles with shortages of skilled labor, slower global trade, high interest rates and political squabbling. The closely watched Ifo institute survey of business sentiment rose only slightly to 85.5 points in February from 85.2 points in January due to “slightly less pessimistic …

Germany says Europe’s largest economy is in ‘troubled waters’ and cuts its growth forecast
10 months ago

Germany says Europe’s largest economy is in ‘troubled waters’ and cuts its growth forecast

Associated Press  

FRANKFURT, Germany — The German government said Europe’s largest economy was in “troubled waters” and slashed its growth forecast for this year as it struggles with a lack of skilled labor, excessive bureaucracy, high interest rates and lagging investment in new projects — while a relatively modest set of tax breaks for business remains blocked in the legislature. “The economy …

Inflation in Europe edges down again. But will Houthi attacks on ships spoil the relief?
10 months, 3 weeks ago

Inflation in Europe edges down again. But will Houthi attacks on ships spoil the relief?

Associated Press  

FRANKFURT, Germany — Inflation in Europe edged lower in January to 2.8%, keeping alive speculation about quicker interest rate cuts that would lower borrowing costs for businesses and consumers — and help boost the stagnating economy. “This uncertainty could ultimately prompt central banks to delay rate cuts to give themselves more information on the inflationary impact.” Economic models suggested the …

Europe’s biggest economy shrank last year as Germany struggles with multiple crises
11 months, 1 week ago

Europe’s biggest economy shrank last year as Germany struggles with multiple crises

Associated Press  

FRANKFURT, Germany — Germany’s economy shrank 0.3% last year as Europe’s former powerhouse struggled with more expensive energy, higher interest rates, lack of skilled labor and a homegrown budget crisis. The International Monetary Fund expected Germany to be the worst-performing major developed economy last year, a major turnaround from its place as a model for how to expand when other …

Germany’s leader vows to fix a spending crisis that’s worsening gloom in the struggling economy
1 year, 1 month ago

Germany’s leader vows to fix a spending crisis that’s worsening gloom in the struggling economy

Associated Press  

FRANKFURT, Germany — German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Friday promised quick action to fix a budget crisis after a court decision blew a large hole in the almost-finished plan for next year and threatened to disrupt spending on efforts to fight climate change and cushion the impact of high energy prices caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. “Those are “justifiable …

Europe’s central bank halts rate hikes as war in the Middle East casts a shadow over the economy
1 year, 1 month ago

Europe’s central bank halts rate hikes as war in the Middle East casts a shadow over the economy

Associated Press  

FRANKFURT, Germany — The European Central Bank left interest rates unchanged Thursday for the first time in over a year as the Israel-Hamas war spreads even more gloom over already downbeat prospects for Europe’s economy. She reiterated that high rates would help drive back inflation to the bank’s goal of 2% if “maintained for a sufficiently long duration.” She would …

Europe's central bank is set to halt rate hikes as the Mideast war casts a shadow over the economy
1 year, 1 month ago

Europe's central bank is set to halt rate hikes as the Mideast war casts a shadow over the economy

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The European Central Bank is …

Germany, once the envy of the world, is now its worst-performing major developed economy. Why?
1 year, 3 months ago

Germany, once the envy of the world, is now its worst-performing major developed economy. Why?

LA Times  

Evonik Industries, a specialty chemicals company based in Essen, Germany, operates this plant in the nearby town of Marl. Germany risks “de-industrialization” as high energy costs and government inaction on other chronic problems threaten to send new factories and high-paying jobs elsewhere, said Christian Kullmann, the CEO of major German chemical company Evonik Industries. “We’re in a situation where we’re …

Germany went from envy of the world to the worst-performing major developed economy. What happened?
1 year, 3 months ago

Germany went from envy of the world to the worst-performing major developed economy. What happened?

Associated Press  

ESSEN, Germany — For most of this century, Germany racked up one economic success after another, dominating global markets for high-end products like luxury cars and industrial machinery, selling so much to the rest of the world that half the economy ran on exports. Germany risks “deindustrialization” as high energy costs and government inaction on other chronic problems threaten to …

Once a global ideal, Germany's economy struggles with an energy shock that's exposing longtime flaws
1 year, 3 months ago

Once a global ideal, Germany's economy struggles with an energy shock that's exposing longtime flaws

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Germany risks “deindustrialization” as high energy costs and government …

German economy sinking in recession in 2023, predicts European Commission
1 year, 3 months ago

German economy sinking in recession in 2023, predicts European Commission

Live Mint  

Bearing the brunt of high inflation driven by factors like Russia-Ukraine crisis, German economy is expected to contract in 2023, predicted European Commission on Monday. The recent cut in forecast has come at a time when Euro's biggest economy is facing high inflation and the spill over effect of Russia-Ukraine war. Euro zone expected to grow slower, says EC The …

Europe’s inflation held steady in August as European Central Bank keeps an open mind on rates
1 year, 3 months ago

Europe’s inflation held steady in August as European Central Bank keeps an open mind on rates

Associated Press  

FRANKFURT, Germany — Annual inflation held steady in Europe in August as food prices raced ahead of falling fuel costs, but there was no clarity about whether the European Central Bank will pause its record series of interest rate hikes. European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde has said that the interest rate decision at the Sept. 14 policy meeting will …

German central bank sees the economy stagnating again in the 3rd quarter
1 year, 4 months ago

German central bank sees the economy stagnating again in the 3rd quarter

Associated Press  

BERLIN — Germany’s central bank anticipates that the country’s economy, Europe’s biggest, will be more or less stagnant again in the current quarter — adding to a string of weak performances. German gross domestic product stagnated in the second quarter after declining in both of the two previous quarters as the country struggled with high energy prices, rising borrowing costs …

Europe’s economy grows a bit after months of stagnation. But rate hikes are weighing on businesses
1 year, 4 months ago

Europe’s economy grows a bit after months of stagnation. But rate hikes are weighing on businesses

Associated Press  

FRANKFURT, Germany — Europe’s economy has grown modestly after months of stagnation, but higher interest rates designed to fight inflation are casting a shadow as they make it more expensive for households and businesses to borrow, invest and spend. Europe’s largest economy, Germany, struggled in the second quarter, recording zero growth after two straight quarters of falling output as it …

Germany used to be the world’s export powerhouse. Now, it’s not growing. What happened?
1 year, 4 months ago

Germany used to be the world’s export powerhouse. Now, it’s not growing. What happened?

Associated Press  

FRANKFURT, Germany — The German economy is still failing to grow, figures showed Friday, as the country that should be the industrial powerhouse for all of Europe struggles with high energy prices, rising borrowing costs and a lagging rebound from key trading partner China. It comes after the International Monetary Fund forecast this week that Germany would be the globe’s …

Germany used to be the world's export powerhouse. Now, it's not growing. What happened?
1 year, 4 months ago

Germany used to be the world's export powerhouse. Now, it's not growing. What happened?

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The German economy is still …

Europe inflation slips to 5.5% — but that won’t stop central bank rate hikes
1 year, 5 months ago

Europe inflation slips to 5.5% — but that won’t stop central bank rate hikes

Associated Press  

FRANKFURT, Germany — Inflation in Europe slid again in June but fell too slowly to offer much relief to shoppers grumbling over price tags or to stop more interest rate hikes that will raise the cost of borrowing across the economy. While that is a big drop from the peak of 10.6% in October, persistently high prices in the U.S., …

Eurozone, 20 countries that use euro currency, slips into recession as GDP falls by 0.1%
1 year, 6 months ago

Eurozone, 20 countries that use euro currency, slips into recession as GDP falls by 0.1%

India TV News  

The European economy contracted slightly at the end of last year and beginning of 2023, revised figures showed Thursday, underlining the impact of the loss of Russian natural gas and high inflation on consumer spending. The last update from the euro area business cycle dating committee, which was released on March 27 and only dealt with data through the end …

Inflation in Europe drops to lowest level since Russia invaded Ukraine
1 year, 6 months ago

Inflation in Europe drops to lowest level since Russia invaded Ukraine

CNN  

London CNN — Inflation in Europe has fallen to its slowest pace since Russia invaded Ukraine, bolstering the case for the region’s central bank to bring interest rate hikes to an end soon. That’s the lowest rate of inflation since February 2022, when Moscow launched a full-scale invasion of its neighbor, sending global energy prices soaring. That could give the …

Germany sinks into recession – as UK avoids one
1 year, 6 months ago

Germany sinks into recession – as UK avoids one

The Telegraph  

Soaring energy prices have pushed Germany into recession while Britain has escaped one, upending the forecasts made by economists at the start of the year. Europe’s biggest economy shrank 0.3pc in the first three months of 2023, revised figures showed, following a contraction of 0.5pc at the end of last year. In the last year, food prices in Germany rose …

Europe’s economic outlook brightens a little after avoiding recession. But inflation still squeezes
1 year, 7 months ago

Europe’s economic outlook brightens a little after avoiding recession. But inflation still squeezes

Associated Press  

FRANKFURT, Germany — The European Union’s executive body raised its economic growth forecast, saying Europe had dodged a winter recession that was feared amid an energy crisis but warning that stubbornly high inflation is likely to keep hurting the economy by sapping people’s ability to spend. The outlook for the 20 countries using the euro currency improved to growth of …

Europe’s economy barely grows as inflation pinches consumers
1 year, 7 months ago

Europe’s economy barely grows as inflation pinches consumers

Associated Press  

FRANKFURT, Germany — The European economy scraped out meager growth in the first three months of the year, barely gaining momentum as stubborn inflation raises the price of groceries and erodes people’s willingness to spend paychecks that are failing to keep pace. Friday’s less-than-stellar increase of 0.1% from the previous quarter follows disappointing growth estimates from the U.S., which kept …

German energy boss warns: Don’t let guard down on gas supply
1 year, 10 months ago

German energy boss warns: Don’t let guard down on gas supply

Associated Press  

BONN, Germany — The temperature outside Klaus Mueller’s office almost resembles spring, exactly the kind of mild weather that helped Germany get through the winter without Russian natural gas. Mueller would only concede that he’s “optimistic” this winter will end without a further gas crunch, especially after Germany cut gas use by 14% in 2022 through lowering thermostats, switching to …

Ukraine war expected to cost Germany 160 billion euros by the end of 2023
1 year, 10 months ago

Ukraine war expected to cost Germany 160 billion euros by the end of 2023

Hindustan Times  

The Ukraine war will have cost the German economy around 160 billion euros, or some 4% of its gross domestic output, in lost value creation by the end of the year, the head of the German Chambers of Industry and Commerce said. That means GDP per capita in Europe's largest economy will be 2,000 euros lower it would otherwise have …

Moscow’s decades-old gas ties with Europe lie in ruins
1 year, 10 months ago

Moscow’s decades-old gas ties with Europe lie in ruins

Live Mint  

Meticulously crafted over decades as a major revenue stream for the Kremlin, Moscow's gas trade with Europe is unlikely to recover from the ravages of military conflict. After President Vladimir Putin's "special military operation" in Ukraine began almost a year ago, a combination of Western sanctions and Russia's decision to cut supplies to Europe drastically reduced the country's energy exports. …

EU foresees economy improving, but inflation still painful
1 year, 10 months ago

EU foresees economy improving, but inflation still painful

Associated Press  

FRANKFURT, Germany — The European Union’s executive branch has raised its economic growth forecast for the year, saying Europe will narrowly avoid a recession and has already passed its inflation peak as natural gas prices fall from astronomical highs. Prices for natural gas — used to heat homes, fuel industry and generate electricity — reached record levels last summer, rising …

Germany will not fall into recession, insists Scholz
1 year, 11 months ago

Germany will not fall into recession, insists Scholz

The Telegraph  

Germany will avoid a recession this year, Chancellor Olaf Scholz has insisted, despite the energy crisis which has ravaged its economy. Mr Scholz said that new liquefied natural gas terminals on the Baltic and North Sea coasts would help cushion the blow from the energy crisis on Germany’s crucial manufacturing sector. “I’m absolutely convinced that this will not happen – …

Europe has staved off energy collapse despite Russia’s gas cutoff. But is the crisis over?
1 year, 11 months ago

Europe has staved off energy collapse despite Russia’s gas cutoff. But is the crisis over?

LA Times  

Europe has dodged an energy apocalypse this winter, economists and officials say, thanks to unusually warm weather and efforts to find other sources of natural gas after Russia cut off most of its supply to the continent. In Germany, Europe’s largest economy, the government passed gas and electricity price caps allowing small businesses and consumers to buy 80% of their …

Europe has avoided energy collapse. But is the crisis over?
1 year, 11 months ago

Europe has avoided energy collapse. But is the crisis over?

Associated Press  

FRANKFURT, Germany — Europe has dodged an energy apocalypse this winter, economists and officials say, thanks to unusually warm weather and efforts to find other sources of natural gas after Russia cut off most of its supply to the continent. In Germany, Europe’s largest economy, the government passed gas and electric price caps allowing small businesses and consumers to buy …

Europe has avoided energy collapse. But is the crisis over?
1 year, 11 months ago

Europe has avoided energy collapse. But is the crisis over?

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. In Germany, Europe's largest economy, the government passed gas …

German regulator: winter gas shortage increasingly unlikely
1 year, 11 months ago

German regulator: winter gas shortage increasingly unlikely

Associated Press  

BERLIN — Germany’s network regulator said Thursday that a gas shortage is “increasingly unlikely” this winter, but cautioned that it remains important to use the fuel sparingly. The Federal Network Agency said in its daily report that it views the situation as “less tight than at the beginning of the winter.” It had described the situation as “tight” since Russia …

German leader focuses on energy, Ukraine in new year message
1 year, 11 months ago

German leader focuses on energy, Ukraine in new year message

Associated Press  

BERLIN — Chancellor Olaf Scholz is celebrating Germany’s progress in freeing itself from reliance on Russian gas, urging people to keep saving energy in the new year and vowing to keep up help for Ukraine. Scholz’s televised new year message, the text of which was released by his office before its broadcast Saturday, focused squarely on the effects of Russia’s …

Europe needs clear-eyed view of US moves
1 year, 11 months ago

Europe needs clear-eyed view of US moves

China Daily  

A vehicle passes the building of the European Commission in Brussels, Belgium, Oct 18, 2022. The natural gas price in Europe once hit nearly €350 per megawatt-hour since the Russia-Ukraine conflict broke out. European energy ministers agreed on Dec 19 to impose a price cap if prices in the European Union's main trading centers remained above €180 per megawatt-hour for …

Which European nations are handling the energy crisis best?
2 years ago

Which European nations are handling the energy crisis best?

Al Jazeera  

France, Spain, Germany, Italy and Greece are doing some things right, but face challenging times ahead, say experts. An uneven risk Russia accounted for nearly half of Europe’s total natural gas imports in 2021, but some countries were always going to be more vulnerable than others. Challenges ahead Germany recently announced a new 200 billion euro package to deal with …

EU ministers fail again on gas price cap to contain costs
2 years ago

EU ministers fail again on gas price cap to contain costs

Associated Press  

BRUSSELS — European Union energy ministers failed yet again to overcome their deep differences Tuesday on a natural gas price cap that many hope would make utility bills cheaper so people can stay a little warmer during harsh winter days — if not this year, then later. One side is demanding a cap to push down gas prices for households …

Investors see shift in Europe’s fortunes
2 years ago

Investors see shift in Europe’s fortunes

Live Mint  

Investors are turning somewhat more positive on Europe, spurring a recovery in the region’s beaten-down stocks. Meanwhile, benchmark U.S. yields and the dollar have declined in recent weeks, helping lift riskier assets worldwide, as investors anticipate a slowdown in the Federal Reserve’s campaign to raise interest rates. Natural-gas prices have stabilized as Europe’s gas storage has risen above 95% due …

Europe's import of Russian gas jumps 42% amid Russia-Ukraine war: Report
2 years ago

Europe's import of Russian gas jumps 42% amid Russia-Ukraine war: Report

Hindustan Times  

The European Union witnessed a 42 percent increase in the imports of Russian Liquefied Natural Gas between January-October, compared to the same period last year, Financial Times reported. The report said that EU has imported 62.1 billion cubic meters of natural gas this year compared to 17.8 billion cubic meters last year. This comes as Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis …

Inflation in Europe eases but is still in painful double digits
2 years ago

Inflation in Europe eases but is still in painful double digits

LA Times  

Inflation in Europe has eased for the first time in more than a year as energy prices drift down from painful highs, but the double-digit rate still hovers near a record and has robbed consumers of spending power and led economists to predict a recession. Roaring inflation is being fed by high energy prices, which have been caused by Russia …

Europe’s inflation likely hasn’t peaked, ECB’s Lagarde says
2 years ago

Europe’s inflation likely hasn’t peaked, ECB’s Lagarde says

Associated Press  

BRUSSELS — The head of the European Central Bank said Monday she does not believe inflation has peaked after reaching the highest levels on record. ECB President Christine Lagarde also told European lawmakers that the bank isn’t through raising interest rates to combat those price spikes. That means the central bank will “continue to tame inflation with all the tools …

EU nations fail to close rift on gas prices as cold sets in
2 years ago

EU nations fail to close rift on gas prices as cold sets in

Associated Press  

BRUSSELS — On winter’s doorstep, European Union nations again failed to bridge bitter disagreements over a natural gas price cap Thursday as they struggle to effectively shield 450 million citizens from massive increases in their utility bills. “The discussion was quite heated, and you all know that there are very divergent views,” said Czech Industry Minister Jozef Síkela, who chaired …

European Central Bank: Recession ‘has become more likely’
2 years, 1 month ago

European Central Bank: Recession ‘has become more likely’

Associated Press  

FRANKFURT, Germany — The European Central Bank sees an increased likelihood of a recession in the 19 countries that use the euro currency, warning that soaring energy prices and high inflation fed by Russia’s war in Ukraine have raised risks for bank losses and turmoil on financial markets. As the bank released its twice-yearly assessment of eurozone financial stability on …

German economy to shrink in 2023, government advisers expect
2 years, 1 month ago

German economy to shrink in 2023, government advisers expect

Associated Press  

BERLIN — The German government’s panel of independent economic advisers forecast Wednesday that Europe’s biggest economy will shrink by 0.2% next year. But a weak winter, with gross domestic product declining in the last months of the year and in the first three months of next year, is still widely expected. The advisers’ forecast of 1.7% growth this year and …

Europe urged to save natural gas to avoid shortage next year
2 years, 1 month ago

Europe urged to save natural gas to avoid shortage next year

Associated Press  

FRANKFURT, Germany — Europe could face a severe natural gas shortage next year and needs to act now to reduce use, the International Energy Agency said in a report Thursday, warning against complacency in an energy crisis triggered by Russia’s war in Ukraine after countries were able to build up storage of the fuel to heat homes and generate electricity …

Inflation hits new record in Europe, slowing economy
2 years, 1 month ago

Inflation hits new record in Europe, slowing economy

The Hindu  

Inflation hit a new record in the 19 countries that use the euro currency, fueled by out-of-control prices for natural gas and electricity due to Russia's war in Ukraine. While liquid gas succeeded in filling Europe's storage for the winter, the higher prices have made some industrial products such as steel or fertilizer expensive or simply unprofitable to make. Natural …

Gas crunch eases in Europe — but the respite might not last
2 years, 1 month ago

Gas crunch eases in Europe — but the respite might not last

Associated Press  

FRANKFURT, Germany — Natural gas and electricity prices in Europe have plunged from summer peaks thanks to mild weather and a monthslong scramble to fill gas storage ahead of winter and replace Russian supplies during the war in Ukraine. The good news is natural gas prices on Europe’s TTF benchmark fell on Monday below 100 euros per megawatt-hour for the …

Mint explainer: 3 takeaways from the IMF World Economic Outlook
2 years, 2 months ago

Mint explainer: 3 takeaways from the IMF World Economic Outlook

Live Mint  

Monetary policy will be critical in the global battle against inflation, the International Monetary Fund said in its latest World Economic Outlook report. Here are the key takeaways from the IMF report: The criticality of monetary policy “The global economy’s future health rests critically on the successful calibration of monetary policy," the IMF asserted, adding “ … monetary policy could …

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