UPDATE: Pres Biden Upgrades Sanctions Vs Russia; ‘It’s a War Without a Cause’
By Frank Csongos and Denny Gulino WASHINGTON (MaceNews) – President Joe Biden announced Thursday new economic sanctions on Russia to punish its military invasion of Ukraine. Biden denounced Russian President Vladimir Putin of waging “naked aggression” and pledged Russia will bear the consequences. “It’s a war without a cause,” he said. Biden said the U.S. […]
Italy Lobbying EU To Keep Energy Out Of Sanctions Package Against Russia – Italy Government Sources
–Rome hopes any sanctions would unfold in stages, sees energy sanctions as ‘last resort’ given Italy’s dependence on Russian gas By Silvia Marchetti ROME (MaceNews) – Italy is lobbying at the European level to exempt Russian energy exports from the European Union’s potential sanctions as Italy would end up paying the highest price, according to […]
Italy’s Democrats Recover Lost Ground, Lead Polls but in Tie with Former Fascist Party – Sources
By Silvia Marchetti ROME (MaceNews) – After a deep crisis and loss of support that lasted more than four years, Italy’s Democratic Party is leading polls with a higher chance of winning next year’s general vote and putting it in position to push through key reforms, said party officials. Still, polls show a tie with […]
Economic Sentiment Improved in Germany During February, ZEW Says
ZURICH (MaceNews) – Economic sentiment in Germany improved in February, up 2.6 points to 54.3, according to the latest report from the Mannheim-based ZEW Institute. Today’s result was exactly in line with the median of 54.3 in an Econoday survey of economists’ forecasts. Moreover, current conditions were also seen in a more positive light, improving […]
Italy’s Center Right Coalition Is Falling to Pieces, Smaller Chance of Success in 2023 – Sources
By Silvia Marchetti ROME (MaceNews) – Italy’s center right coalition is crumbling to pieces following the presidential vote; it is now weaker and if it doesn’t quickly “recover” its chances of winning the 2023 elections are down to a minimum, according to party sources. The center right’s three allied parties – the League group of […]
Italy Govt To Extend Loans Freeze, Boost State-Backed Guarantees – Sources
By Silvia Marchetti ROME (MaceNews) – Italy’s government is expected to extend a key pandemic loans payment moratorium which expired in December 2021, and boost state-backed guarantees for private investments, according to ruling coalition sources. The extension of both measures, set-up in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis to help struggling firms’ and families access […]
ECB Sounds More Hawkish Note But Leaves Policy Unchanged
— President Christine Lagarde Acknowledges that Inflation is More Likely to Overshoot Target (MaceNews) – The European Central Bank “will not be complacent” about record-high eurozone inflation, a more hawkish stance from ECB President and long-term dove Christine Lagarde Thursday. “Compared to December, inflation risks are tilted to the upside, particularly in the near term,” […]
Analysis: Italy’s Government Weaker After Tricky Presidential Vote; 2023 Vote Outcome Uncertain – Sources
By Silvia Marchetti ROME (MaceNews) – The “forced” reappointment of Sergio Mattarella as Italy’s head of state despite his initial unavailability for a second term marks a further weakening of the government and its reformatory push as parties come to terms with their vulnerabilities, according to Italian party sources. “Party talks have failed in striking […]
German Ifo Jan. Business Sentiment Starts the Year on an Improved Note
ZURICH (MaceNews) – Sentiment among German businesses rose in January, reversing a series of declines since July, led by higher expectations according to the latest report from the Ifo Institute in Munich. Ifo’s Business Climate Index rose to 95.7 in January from a revised 94.8 (94.7) in December. The result is better than the slight […]
ECB Governing Council Split Over Expansion of APP Programme Announced in December
— Some members argued for a more rapid return to policy normalisation LONDON (MaceNews) – The European Central Bank’s decision to expand its asset purchase programme from April met with spirited opposition from some members of the Governing Council, suggesting deep divisions amongst rate setters, according to minutes of the policy meeting on 15-16 December, […]