Economic Insights

Sep 02, 2021

ECB: Roaring reflation no reason to flinch

Despite the roaring return of inflation in H2 2021, don’t expect any major announcements from the ECB next week. The September meeting will, however, set the course for its policy stance for the remainder of 2021 and beyond.

Sep 01, 2021

European SMEs: 7-15% at risk of insolvency in the next four years

While state support softened the blow of the Covid-19 shock, we find that 7%, 13% and 15% of SMEs in Germany, France and the UK are still at risk of insolvency in the next four years.

Jul 30, 2021

Europe’s pent-up demand party is just getting started

Unleashed pent-up demand could provide a boost to sectors hit the hardest by Covid-19 restrictions through 2021, especially in Spain, France and Belgium.

Jul 28, 2021

Australia’s pension system: No reform can replace financial literacy

While Australia’s pension system is rated as one of the best prepared for demographic change, savers’ behavior during the Covid-19 crisis underlines the fact that more financial education and literacy is needed.

Semiconductor shortages and Europe's automotive sector

Jul 27, 2021

Chip shortages to boost carmakers’ pricing power in Europe

A shortage of semiconductors is creating a prolonged supply-demand mismatch in Europe's automotive sector that offers a unique window of opportunity for car makers to raise prices.

Jul 22, 2021

Liquidity matters: Corporates may need half a trillion of additional working capital requirement financing in 2021

Large companies will face a record increase in WCR in a context of a strong demand rebound triggered by the grand reopening, alongside severe shortages in inputs, labor and final goods.

Jul 22, 2021

European central bank: New wording, old problems

The ECB’s new strategy offers more potential for dovish rather than hawkish policy.

Jul 21, 2021

SPACs: Healthy normalization ahead

The SPAC party isn’t over yet, but don’t wait up for another phase of record high offerings as seen in 2020 and Q1 2021 — at least in the US.

Jul 15, 2021

EU CBAM: Well intended is not necessarily well done

The EU carbon border adjustment mechanism will not only become more expensive than anticipated, but likely fall short of its aim to restore a level playing field for industries heavily exposed to carbon pricing.