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, […]
BofA Global Research Fund Manager Survey: Global Investors Expect Above-Trend Growth, Inflation Peak in 2022
–Hawkish Central Bank Hikes Still Biggest ‘Tail Risk’ By Vicki Schmelzer NEW YORK (MaceNews) – Global investors polled at the start of 2022 looked for above-trend growth and an inflation peak in the coming year, according to the findings of BofA Global Research’s monthly fund manager survey, released Tuesday. In January, a net 1% of […]
Italy’s ESM Reform Approval Likely To Raise Tensions Between Ruling Parties, Government Buys Time – Sources
By Silvia Marchetti ROME (MaceNews) – Italy’s parliament has yet to approve the key European Stability Mechanism reform aimed at strengthening the banking union and is buying time over fears this will trigger tensions among ruling allies, according to government sources. The League party and the 5 Stars Movement, that have joined forces to support […]
German Economic Outlook Starts the Year on a Strong Note, ZEW Report Shows
ZURICH (MaceNews) – Economic sentiment in Germany came in well above expectations in January indicating that the economy is seen improving in the coming six months, as COVID cases are seen falling by summer, the latest report from the Mannheim-based ZEW institute showed. ZEW’s Index of Economic Sentiment rose to 51.7 in January from 29.9 […]
Berlusconi’s Potential Run For Italy’s Presidency Triggers Political Chaos – Sources
By Silvia Marchetti ROME (MaceNews) – The potential candidacy of former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi to the top office of Italy’s presidency is raising political chaos at a critical time when parties should seek a compromise on a high level, impartial figure to elect, according to political sources. After having faced 36 trials the scandal-ridden […]
Italy Pushes Digital Euro, Aims to Strengthen Single Currency in Post-Covid World- Sources
By Silvia Marchetti ROME (MaceNews) – Italy is pushing for a “speedy” creation of a digital euro in a bid to strengthen the single currency, and it has now become a top post-Covid priority for the financial system, according to ruling coalition sources. “The pandemic has accelerated the process: there’s been a significant boost in […]