In one line: Better, but likely not enough to prevent another decline in GDP in Q1.
Claus Vistesen (Chief Eurozone Economist)Eurozone
In one line: The SNB beats the ECB to the punch on rate cuts.
Melanie Debono (Senior Eurozone Economist)Eurozone
- The SNB cut interest rates, beating other major DM central banks to the punch on easing policy.
- More easing is likely over the coming year; we look for 75bp of further cuts by December.
- The risks are to fewer cuts; the SNB sees inflation in line with its price-stability mandate out to 2026.
Melanie Debono (Senior Eurozone Economist)Eurozone
In one line: On track for a rise in Q1, surprisingly.
Claus Vistesen (Chief Eurozone Economist)Eurozone
In one line: Recovery in Italian industry is delayed.
Melanie Debono (Senior Eurozone Economist)Eurozone
- It’s a close call, but we think the SNB will hold fire at today’s meeting and first cut in June instead.
- Risks are tilted towards a rate cut today; markets are pricing in 40% probability of a move.
- mItalian industrial production started the year on a weak footing, but EZ construction is holding up.
Melanie Debono (Senior Eurozone Economist)Eurozone
In one line: Investor sentiment is still rising; a dovish plunge in EZ labour cost growth.
Claus Vistesen (Chief Eurozone Economist)Eurozone
- Hourly labour cost growth took a leg down in Q4, in line with other wage growth measures.
- Leading indicators suggest pay growth is easing again in Q1; we look for it to fall throughout 2024.
- The ECB can’t afford to wait for the all clear from wage negotiations to start easing policy.
Melanie Debono (Senior Eurozone Economist)Eurozone
In one line: Falling imports are still lifting EZ net trade in goods.
Claus Vistesen (Chief Eurozone Economist)Eurozone
In one line: Next couple of months’ data will be more noise than signal.
Melanie Debono (Senior Eurozone Economist)Eurozone
- EZ inflation dipped in February, matching the first estimate; upside risks are now building for March.
- An upward surprise in the March and April inflation reports would put a June rate cut in jeopardy.
- We still struggle to see a perfect landing for inflation at 2%; how will the ECB respond to this?
Claus Vistesen (Chief Eurozone Economist)Eurozone
In one line: The core is on track for sub-2%, despite sticky services inflation.
Claus Vistesen (Chief Eurozone Economist)Eurozone