The EU Commission revised its 2017 Euro-zone GDP growth forecast marginally higher to 1.6% from 1.5% previously, although this was still lower than the 2016 outcome and the underlying tone remained generally downbeat with a high degree of uncertainty over both domestic and US developments.
The inflation forecast for this year was revised higher to 1.7% from 1.4% previously, but with an expected slowdown to 1.4% in 2018 and still below the ECB target.
Hungary Whether it is wishful thinking or informed speculation on the part of the EU, Sunday’s Election in Hungary could see PM Viktor Orban – long time super irritant to Brussels voted out of office after 16 years. With a Debt to GDP ratio of 73% and a budget deficit of more than 5% Hungary […]
Gold and Silver Due to the vertiginous moves in both these precious metals all markets are more than usually fixated on the price action at present. Yesterday, both steadied and clawed back some of the recent losses with Gold rising almost 6% and Silver 10% to USD 4921, and USD 86.70 respectively at the time […]
Sterling Domestic UK readers will understandably be wondering how Sterling is faring as a stand-alone country currency, beset by recent soaring Jet Fuel, Natural Gas, and of course Oil prices. The answer, at present at least, is that it is holding up well partly on Governor Bailey of the Bank of England’s comments about interest […]