Adam

Euro area consumers: inflation expectations slightly lower, spending outlook rises

In September 2025, median consumer perceptions of past inflation remained at 3.1%, unchanged from August, while 12-month inflation expectations slightly declined to 2.7%. Longer-term expectations—three and five years ahead—remained stable at 2.5% and 2.2% respectively. Lower-income households continued to perceive slightly higher inflation than higher-income households, whereas younger consumers reported lower inflation expectations than older […]

Euro area net saving rises, household and corporate debt ratios decline

In the four quarters to Q2 2025, euro area net saving increased to €861 billion, up from €857 billion in the previous quarter, while net non-financial investment rose to €545 billion, driven mainly by non-financial corporations (NFCs). Net lending to the rest of the world declined to €348 billion, reflecting slower growth in saving relative […]

ECB: Slight tightening in corporate lending standards, strong rise in housing loan demand

According to the ECB’s October 2025 Bank Lending Survey, euro area banks reported a small, unexpected tightening in credit standards for loans to firms in the third quarter of 2025, while standards for housing loans remained unchanged and consumer credit tightened moderately. The tightening was mainly driven by heightened economic and geopolitical risks and greater […]

ECB: Banks must strengthen board expertise to face digital and geopolitical risks

In a speech at the European University Institute in Florence, Anneli Tuominen, Member of the ECB Supervisory Board, emphasized that banks’ boards must adapt to an increasingly complex and volatile risk environment, driven by digitalisation, cyber threats, geopolitical tensions, and hybrid risks.

Euro area firms report slightly tighter lending conditions, stable financing needs and inflation expectations

According to the ECB’s latest Survey on the Access to Finance of Enterprises (SAFE), conducted between 27 August and 3 October 2025, lending conditions for euro area firms tightened marginally in the third quarter of 2025, while financing needs and availability remained broadly unchanged.

Making Supervision Simpler: Frank Elderson on the ECB’s Approach

At the ECB and EUI Banking Governance High-Level Seminar in Florence on October 27, 2025, Frank Elderson, Member of the Executive Board and Vice-Chair of the Supervisory Board of the ECB, called for a more efficient and transparent approach to banking supervision — one that simplifies without weakening resilience.

ECDC Urges Vaccination and Precautionary Measures as Europe Faces Respiratory Virus Season

As Europe enters the autumn and winter months, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) warns that respiratory infections could significantly impact vulnerable populations, including young children, older adults, immunocompromised individuals, and those with chronic conditions. These groups face a higher risk of hospitalisation and death, while healthcare systems may experience added pressure […]

ESRB Flags Financial Stability Risks from Stablecoins, Issues Recommendation on Third-Country Multi-Issuers

The European Systemic Risk Board (ESRB) has released a report highlighting systemic risks associated with crypto-assets, focusing on stablecoins, crypto-asset investment products, and multi-function groups. The report emphasizes the growing integration of crypto-assets with traditional finance and warns of vulnerabilities from stablecoins jointly issued by EU and non-EU entities.

ECB President Lagarde Highlights Europe’s Path to Renewable Energy at Norges Bank Climate Conference

At the Norges Bank Climate Conference in Oslo on 21 October 2025, ECB President Christine Lagarde emphasized the urgent need for Europe to accelerate its transition to renewable energy. She noted that since her first visit to the central bank in 2016, Europe’s energy landscape has dramatically shifted. The Paris Agreement was then widely supported, […]