Economy Archives - Page 3 of 4

Covestro Warns EU Must Protect Key Sectors or Risk Industrial Exodus

June 30, 2026 by Felix Wagner

Covestro’s chief executive has issued a warning that the European Union must decide which industrial sectors to protect against international competition, or risk losing major companies to relocation. This comes as the Abu Dhabi-owned German chemicals manufacturer announces significant capital investments of up to €4 billion directed toward China and the United Arab Emirates, highlighting the company’s strategic shift toward non-EU markets.

ECB Survey Points to Consumer Optimism on Inflation, But Central Bank Remains Cautious

June 26, 2026 by Felix Wagner

According to an ECB survey, European consumers expect somewhat lower inflation following the Iran agreement, which has increased hopes that price increases will slow. However, from the ECB’s perspective, the inflation risk has not yet been eliminated.

Germany’s KfW Reintroduces KfW-55 Energy Efficiency Program for New Construction in 2026

June 25, 2026 by Felix Wagner

The KfW-55 energy efficiency funding program for new construction projects is making a comeback in 2026 with a larger pool of subsidy funds. The article discusses which conditions applicants must meet and emphasizes the importance of submitting applications quickly.

Persian Gulf Tensions Trigger Wave of Marine Insurance Claims Across Europe

June 24, 2026 by Felix Wagner

Ship insurers, including industrial insurer Allianz Commercial, are facing significant claims from the Iran conflict. More than 1000 ships remain stranded in the Persian Gulf, with insurers expecting substantial damages.

Saint-Gobain CEO Warns of Labor Constraints Threatening Data Center Expansion Across Atlantic

June 24, 2026 by Sophie Renard

Saint-Gobain CEO Benoit Bazin warned Bloomberg Television that labor shortages are constraining data center expansion in North America and that Europe will likely face similar challenges. Saint-Gobain manufactures glass products and construction materials used in data center infrastructure.

Bundesbank Vice President Warns Fossil Fuel Dependence Threatens Germany’s Economic Competitiveness

June 23, 2026 by Felix Wagner

Sabine Mauderer, Vice President of the Deutsche Bundesbank, warns that fossil fuel dependence poses a location risk for Germany and Europe, calling for significantly faster progress on energy transition and setting clear policy expectations.

Tariffs Pose Bigger Challenge Than Geopolitics for European Machine Tool Makers, Says Trumpf CEO

June 18, 2026 by Felix Wagner

Stephan Mayer, CEO for Machine Tools at German manufacturing technology firm Trumpf, stated in an interview with Bloomberg that tariffs pose a greater headwind to the machine tool industry than the Iran war, contrary to expectations that geopolitical tensions would have severe impact.

Swiss National Bank Holds Rates at Zero as Other Central Banks Tighten Policy

June 18, 2026 by Felix Wagner

The Swiss National Bank held its policy interest rate at zero percent to prevent Swiss franc appreciation, contrasting with rate-hiking cycles at other central banks

German Research Institute Slashes Growth Forecasts for 2026-2027 Amid Iran Conflict and Oil Market Turmoil

June 18, 2026 by Felix Wagner

The IMK (Institute for Macroeconomics and Business Cycle Research) has substantially reduced its economic growth forecasts for Germany for 2026 and 2027, citing the economic fallout from the Iran conflict and persisting oil market volatility as key drivers of the downward revision.

Bundesbank Chief Warns of Middle East Risks to Eurozone Price Stability

June 15, 2026 by Felix Wagner

Bundesbank President Joachim Nagel expresses doubt about geopolitical de-escalation in the Middle East, warning that much can change in 60 days. His concerns relate to potential disruptions at the Strait of Hormuz and their inflationary implications for the Eurozone economy.