Is the Eurozone entering recession?

Is the Eurozone entering recession?

The recent economic indicators from the Eurozone paint a bleak picture, as the downturn in business activity deepened in December, pushing the bloc's economy into a likely recession. The Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI), suggests that the Eurozone has experienced a decline in activity in every month of the current quarter, meeting the technical definition of a recession. ECB has adjusted its growth forecasts downward for 2023 and 2024, reflecting the grim economic reality. [1]

Central banks reviewing their monetary policies

Central banks reviewing their monetary policies

Investors were anxious with expectations ahead of monetary policy updates in December, mainly those of U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) and European Central Bank (ECB). As inflation rate has been dropping both in the U.S. and Europe, many expected interests rate cuts early and it has driven some commodities like gold upwards but as tension rose investors flinched and took profits which has set prices tumbling down from their peaks.

Mixed Signals in Financial Markets

Mixed Signals in Financial Markets

In the seven days leading up to December 6, 2023, U.S. equity funds experienced a second consecutive week of outflows, reflecting investor caution amid anticipation of economic data that could shed light on the Federal Reserve's stance on interest rates. Investors withdrew a net amount of $577 million from U.S. equity funds during this period, a notable reduction compared to the preceding week's $3.26 billion in net sales.

Uncertainties between the largest oil producers

Uncertainties between the largest oil producers

The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies (OPEC+) is the group of countries that together contribute to 40 % of global oil production which means they can significantly control oil prices. Since oil is still one of the world's most prominent commodities, it can have a huge impact on everyday lives. Recently traders were anxiously expecting what the outcome of the latest OPEC+ meeting that happened on 30th of November would be. 

Shares are set to break records next year. The strength of the economic recovery and central bank policy will matter

Shares are set to break records next year. The strength of the economic recovery and central bank policy will matter

Financial markets are facing a major expansion. Some experts and investment analysts think so. According to them, US and European stocks could surpass all-time highs next year. The current economic constellation in the developed world is said to be conducive to this. However, it will depend on how strong a recovery the economies of Western Europe, particularly in North America, can breathe. Equally important will be the policy of central banks, which in the last two years have focused primarily on curbing inflation, which the economically developed world last faced four decades ago.