Moody’s Downgrades Volkswagen’s Credit Rating Amid Profitability Concerns

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

March 18, 2025

Volkswagen’s financial standing took a hit as Moody’s downgraded the automaker’s long-term credit rating from “A3” to “Baa1”, citing shrinking profit margins, weakening free cash flow, and intensifying competition from Chinese automakers. The downgrade signals moderate credit risk, meaning Volkswagen’s debt, while still investment-grade, now carries speculative characteristics.

Why The Downgrade?

Moody’s decision reflects Volkswagen’s declining operating profits and ongoing financial pressures. Despite being Europe’s largest carmaker, the company is navigating a turbulent landscape shaped by:

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Rising investment demands in electric vehicle (EV) production.
Cost-cutting measures in key markets like Germany and China.
Geopolitical trade tensions, particularly with China, which is driving down profits.

Volkswagen itself acknowledged the uphill battle, warning last week that 2024 will be another year of challenges as it tries to increase EV sales, reduce costs, and fend off competition from aggressive Chinese automakers. The company expects up to €1 billion in lost profits in China by 2025.

Can Volkswagen Recover?

Despite the downgrade, Moody’s remains cautiously optimistic about Volkswagen’s long-term outlook. The agency believes that if cost-cutting measures and strategic shifts are successfully implemented, the company could see improved profitability by 2026-2027.

Volkswagen’s strong balance sheet and robust liquidity give it time to execute its turnaround strategy. However, lower credit ratings often increase borrowing costs, which could add further pressure as the company ramps up investments in new EV models and technology advancements.

What’s Next?

While Volkswagen remains three notches above junk status, the downgrade serves as a warning that its financial resilience is being tested. With competition heating up and margins tightening, the automaker’s ability to balance aggressive EV expansion with profitability will determine whether it can regain lost ground—or face further credit downgrades in the future.

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Strained Household Finances: Eurostat Data Reveals Persistent Payment Delays Across Europe and in Cyprus

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

November 22, 2025

Improved Financial Resilience Amid Ongoing Strains

Over the past decade, Cypriot households have significantly increased their ability to manage debts—not only bank loans but also rent and utility bills. However, recent Eurostat data indicates that Cyprus continues to lag behind the European average when it comes to covering financial obligations on time.

Household Coping Strategies and the Limits of Payment Flexibility

While many families are managing their fixed expenses with relative ease, one in three Cypriots struggles to cover unexpected costs. This delicate balancing act highlights how routine payments such as mortgage installments, rent, and utility bills are met, but precariously so, with little room for unplanned financial shocks.

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Breaking Down Payment Delays Across the European Union

Eurostat reports that nearly 9.2% of the EU population experienced delays with their housing loans, rent, utility bills, or installment payments in 2024. The situation is more acute among vulnerable groups: 17.2% of individuals in single-parent households with dependent children and 16.6% in households with two adults managing three or more dependents faced payment delays. In every EU nation, single-parent households exhibited higher delay rates compared to the overall population.

Cyprus in the Crosshairs: High Rates of Financial Delays

Although Cyprus recorded a notable 19.1 percentage point improvement from 2015 to 2024 in delays related to mortgages, rent, and utility bills, the island nation still ranks among the top five countries with the highest delay rates. As of 2024, 12.5% of the Cypriot population had outstanding housing loans or rent and overdue utility bills. In contrast, Greece tops the list with 42.8%, followed by Bulgaria (18.7%), Romania (15.3%), Spain (14.2%), and other EU members. Notably, 19 out of 27 EU countries reported delay rates below 10%, with Czech Republic (3.4%) and Netherlands (3.9%) leading the pack.

Selective Improvements and Emerging Concerns

Between 2015 and 2024, the overall EU population saw a 2.6 percentage point decline in payment delays. Despite this, certain countries experienced increases: Luxembourg (+3.3 percentage points), Spain (+2.5 percentage points), and Germany (+2.0 percentage points) saw a rise in payment delays, reflecting underlying economic pressures that continue to challenge financial stability.

Economic Insecurity and the Unprepared for Emergencies

Another critical indicator explored by Eurostat is the prevalence of economic insecurity—the proportion of the population unable to handle unexpected financial expenses. In 2024, 30% of the EU population reported being unable to cover unforeseen costs, a modest improvement of 1.2 percentage points from 2023 and a significant 7.4 percentage point drop compared to a decade ago. In Cyprus, while 34.8% still report difficulty handling emergencies, this marks a drastic improvement from 2015, when the figure stood at 60.5%.

A Broader EU Perspective

Importantly, no EU country in 2024 had more than half of its population facing economic insecurity—a notable improvement from 2015, when over 50% of the population in nine countries reported such challenges. These figures underscore both progress and persistent vulnerabilities within European households, urging policymakers to consider targeted measures for enhancing financial resilience.

For further insights and detailed analysis, refer to the original reports on Philenews and Housing Loans.

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