Nov 4, 2019

European economic data will be closely watched this week

Dion Rabouin

Jean-Claude Juncker, president of the European Commission. Photo: Michael Brochstein/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

With the eurozone on the brink of recession and its economic engine, Germany, likely already in one, data this week out of Europe will be closely watched.

Why it matters: This week will bring the release of German factory orders and industrial production data as well as the European Commission's forecasts for eurozone growth.

  • The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Report also will be released on Thursday.

Of note: Central banks in Poland, Romania, the Czech Republic and Serbia all will announce policy decisions, with each one expected to keep rates on hold. Globally, central banks appear to be following the Fed's lead and holding off on more rate cuts and further policy easing.

Go deeper: European Central Bank launching stimulus program to shore up economy

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Courtenay Brown

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell's last word

Jerome Powel before Congress on Nov. 14. Photo: Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images

Fed chair Jerome Powell said the Fed’s monetary policy stance is appropriate, for now, though he noted in a speech Monday night the central bank is not on a “preset course.”

Why it matters: It was Powell's final public remarks — and the last opportunity to recalibrate market expectations — before the Fed enters its "quiet period" ahead of the next interest rate decision.

Go deeperArrowNov 26, 2019
Courtenay Brown

The economic toll of climate change

Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios

Top economists say the economic effects of climate change are just starting to be felt — and they're likely to start snowballing.

Why it matters: Wildfires, floods, and other natural disasters could harm the nation's financial backbone, damaging vital electronic payment systems, causing bank failures, and disrupting the economy in myriad unanticipated ways.

Go deeperArrowNov 9, 2019
Courtenay Brown

Brexit's effect on business

Data: IHS Markit/CIPS; Note: November 2019 reading is based on 85% of respondent's data; Chart: Axios Visuals

A closely watched survey of private sector activity showed the bleakest outlook for U.K. businesses since July 2016 — which was right after the country voted to leave the European Union.

Why it matters: The Brexit back-and-forth has left businesses in a tailspin amid a softening global economy.

Go deeperArrowNov 25, 2019