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April 2025 Industrial Output Prices: Mining and Quarrying Surge as Water Supply Dips

by THEFUTURE.TEAM
May 30, 2025

Official data released by the Statistical Service reveals a notable shift in industrial output prices for April 2025, with the mining and quarrying sector registering the strongest annual gains. Prices in this segment surged by 7.4%, while water supply and materials recovery experienced a sharp annual decline of 5.3%.

Overall Trends in Industrial Output Prices

The Index of Industrial Output Prices advanced by 0.2% in April to reach 122.2 units, anchored by the 2021 reference year. This monthly increase reiterated the annual growth trajectory, aligning consistently with the year-on-year performance. However, the cumulative index from January to April 2025 indicated a marginal contraction of 0.1% in comparison to the same period in 2024.

Sector-Specific Performance Highlights

On a month-to-month basis, the manufacturing sector posted a 0.5% increase in output prices, whereas the mining and quarrying segment maintained stability. In contrast, water supply and materials recovery fell by 3.7%, and electricity supply showed a slight 0.1% decrease. These disparate movements underline the diverse challenges and momentum across various industrial sectors.

Annual Performance Recap

Over the year, mining and quarrying emerged as the standout sector with a robust 7.4% increase, followed by a modest 0.9% gain in manufacturing. Conversely, water supply and materials recovery continued to struggle with a significant 5.3% downturn, while electricity supply declined by 1.8% relative to April 2024.

Detailed Manufacturing Sector Analysis

Within the manufacturing realm, several divisions experienced noteworthy price hikes. The manufacture of electronic and optical products, along with electrical equipment, led the pack with a 6.7% rise. Other categories such as furniture, general manufacturing, and machinery repair and installation each saw gains of 3.9%, closely followed by paper and printing at the same rate. Meanwhile, textiles, wearing apparel, and leather products grew by 3.3%, and the category including refined petroleum products, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals increased by 2.5%. Machinery and equipment, encompassing motor vehicles and other transport equipment, reported a 2.2% rise. Notably, the manufacture of food products, beverages, and tobacco products was the only division to register an annual decline, falling by 0.7%.

This comprehensive data offers valuable insight into the evolving dynamics of industrial market pricing. Investors and industry leaders will find these trends indicative of underlying sectoral shifts and market pressures, necessitating strategic recalibrations in response to the varying growth trajectories.

European Central Bank Report Highlights Stable Inflation and Economic Outlook

by THEFUTURE.TEAM
October 29, 2025

Overview Of Inflation Trends

The latest European Central Bank survey shows a slight decline in median inflation expectations over the next 12 months, decreasing from 2.8% in August to 2.7% in September. Despite this minor adjustment, consumer perceptions of past 12-month inflation have held steady at 3.1% for the eighth consecutive month. Long-term projections for three- and five-year inflation remain stable at 2.5% and 2.2% respectively.

Consumer Expectations Drive Income And Spending Projections

Across the board, expectations for nominal income growth over the upcoming year have remained consistent at 1.1%. However, there is a noticeable shift in spending behavior: while perceived nominal spending growth for the past year slipped slightly to 4.9% from 5.0%, expectations for spending growth over the next 12 months rose to 3.5%. Notably, lower income groups continue to forecast marginally higher spending increases compared to their higher income counterparts.

Stability In Economic And Labour Market Outlook

Economic growth expectations are modestly pessimistic, with respondents forecasting a contraction of -1.2% over the next 12 months. Concurrently, anticipated unemployment levels remain unchanged at 10.7% a year ahead, though the outlook varies by income, with lower income households expecting unemployment rates as high as 12.7%, while higher income groups maintain expectations around 9.4%. Overall, the slight difference between current and future unemployment suggests a broadly stable labor market outlook.

Housing Market And Credit Conditions

The survey also reveals an upswing in expectations related to the housing market. Home price growth expectations have edged higher to 3.5%, and anticipated mortgage interest rates have risen modestly to 4.6%. Similar to other metrics, expectations vary by income, with lower income households expecting higher mortgage rates. In recent months, a marginal decline in reported credit tightening over the past 12 months contrasts with a renewed forecast of tighter credit conditions in the forthcoming year.

Conclusion

The ECB’s latest findings underscore the delicate balance between stable long-term economic forecasts and short-term adjustments in consumer expectations. The slight dips in inflation expectations, alongside stable perceptions of past inflation, delineate a marketplace that is both cautious and measured. As income, spending, and housing market metrics continue to evolve, these indicators provide critical insights for policymakers and investors navigating an increasingly complex economic landscape.

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