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European Stock Markets Recover As Political Risks Recede

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

June 11, 2024

European stock markets have recently exhibited signs of recovery, successfully navigating past recent political uncertainties that have loomed over the continent. The pan-European Stoxx 600 index saw a modest gain of 0.2%, reflecting a broader market sentiment of cautious optimism. Sector-specific performance was led by the retail sector, which experienced a 0.6% rise.

Key Indices Performance

Among the key indices, the UK’s FTSE 100, Germany’s DAX, and France’s CAC 40 all posted gains, contributing to the overall positive momentum in the markets. This upward trend was further supported by the successful initial public offering (IPO) of British computer company Raspberry Pi, which raised a substantial £166 million. This successful IPO underscores investor confidence in innovative tech companies despite broader economic uncertainties.

UK Labour Market Insights

In the UK, the unemployment rate experienced a slight increase to 4.4%, indicating some level of strain in the labour market. Concurrently, employment figures and job vacancies showed minor declines, which could signal a cooling job market. However, wage growth has remained steady, posing potential challenges for the Bank of England as it navigates its interest rate policies. The stability in wage growth, despite rising unemployment, could complicate efforts to curb inflation without stifling economic growth.

Market Sentiment and Future Outlook

The market’s ability to rebound despite political risks is indicative of a resilient economic landscape in Europe. Investors seem to be regaining confidence, focusing on underlying economic fundamentals rather than political turbulence. This resilience is crucial as Europe continues to tackle various challenges, including inflationary pressures and economic policy adjustments.

For business professionals and investors, this recovery suggests a cautious but positive outlook for the European markets. The successful IPO of Raspberry Pi and the overall gains in key indices highlight potential investment opportunities in sectors showing robust performance. Moreover, the labour market trends in the UK warrant close monitoring, as they could influence broader economic policies and market conditions.

Interest rates on housing loans up and down on deposits

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

October 4, 2024

Cypriot banks raised mortgage rates in August while cutting interest on one-year deposits for households, according to data released by the Central Bank of Cyprus (CBC).

Meanwhile, the total value of new loans dropped sharply in August, falling by 33 per cent compared to July.

The latest figures, published on Wednesday reveal that the interest rate for short-term deposits by households fell to 1.79 per cent, from 1.96 per cent in July. In contrast, the deposit rate for businesses (non-financial companies) travelled in the opposite direction up to 2.33 per cent in August from 2.28 per cent in the previous month.

Consumer loan rates also saw a small decline, dropping to 6.59 per cent from 6.67 per cent in the previous month. Mortgage rates rose marginally to 4.65 per cent, from 4.59 per cent.

Rates for businesses, on loans €1 million also fell to 5.36 per cent from 5.61 per cent. For loans

above €1 million the rate fell to 5.42 per cent from 5.64 per cent.

In terms of new loans, there was a marked drop across the board. Total new loans fell to €395.5 million, down from €596.3 million in July.

Consumer loans also fell with net new loans at €19m, compared to July’s €28m (€26.1m net).

Loans for house purchases also declined significantly, falling to €95.6m, of which €72.3m were net new loans, down from €134.3m (€100.7m net) in July.

New loans of under a million euro to businesses decreased to €52.8m (€34.1m net), down from €75.5m in July (€49.5m net).

Similarly, loans of over a million euros were halved to €179.3m (€78.3m net), compared to €345.2m (€211.8m net) in the previous month.