Privacy Fears Undermine Support for Digital Euro in Germany

Skepticism about the digital euro is strong in Germany, especially among older citizens who prioritize privacy and security in financial transactions. Many Germans remain resistant to the idea of a digital currency, with about half unable to imagine using it. Bundesbank President Joachim Nagel has called cash “sacred” in Germany, reflecting deep-rooted concerns about losing … Read more

ECB Maintains Interest Rates Amid Persistent Inflation Concerns

The European Central Bank (ECB) maintained its interest rates on Thursday, indicating that domestic price pressures and elevated inflation levels will persist into next year. After a recent rate cut, the ECB adopted a cautious stance, suggesting more evidence is needed before making another move. The ECB highlighted that while corporate profits are mitigating some … Read more

Fed Chair Warns of ‘Uncertain and Adverse’ Consequences of US Debt Default — ‘We’d Be in Uncharted Territory’

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell has warned of “highly uncertain and adverse” economic consequences if the U.S. defaults on its debt obligations. “No one should assume that the Fed can protect the economy from the potential short and long-term effects of a failure to pay our bills on time,” he further cautioned. Fed Chair Jerome … Read more

ECB’s Panetta Reinforces Digital Euro Focus on Payments

Fabio Panetta, a member of the executive board of the European Central Bank (ECB), announced the digital euro project was entering its final phase. Before the committee on economic and monetary affairs of the European Parliament, Panetta stated that the digital euro, if approved, would be focused on making payments easier for Europeans. ECB’s Panetta … Read more

ECB President Lagarde on De-Dollarization: Reserve Currency Status Should No Longer Be Taken for Granted

European Central Bank (ECB) President Christine Lagarde has warned that the U.S. dollar’s reserve currency status “should no longer be taken for granted.” Acknowledging de-dollarization efforts by various countries, she stressed: “New trade patterns may have ramifications for payments and international currency reserves.” ECB’s Christine Lagarde on De-Dollarization and Alternative Currencies The president of the … Read more

Republicans Seek to Repeal Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act in Exchange for Raising US Debt Limit

There has been a lot of commentary concerning the U.S. raising its debt limit, as Treasury secretary Janet Yellen said last month that a U.S. default would be “devastating,” and European Central Bank president Christine Lagarde warned it would be a “major disaster” if the U.S. defaulted on its obligations. It now appears that Republican … Read more

ECB President Lagarde Warns of ‘Major Disaster’ If US Defaults on Debt Obligations

There is a lot of discussion lately about the U.S. government’s debt ceiling and whether Congress will act before defaulting. In a recent interview, Christine Lagarde, the president of the European Central Bank (ECB), said she is confident the U.S. can maintain its debt obligations. However, she warned that if the U.S. were to default … Read more

ECB Member Fabio Panetta Claims Rising Profit Margins Could Be Fueling Inflation

Fabio Panetta, a member of the executive board of the European Central Bank (ECB), has stated that companies increasing their profit margins could be helping to fuel inflation. In an interview with the New York Times, Panetta warned about the effect that companies increasing such margins could have on inflation levels in the long term. … Read more

Undeterred by Fears of a Banking Crisis, ECB Raises Interest Rates by 50bps

The European Central Bank (ECB) has convened to raise three of its key interest rates by 50bps (0.5%), fueled by the persistence in the inflation numbers reported by the bloc. Christine Lagarde, president of the institution, stated that the banking sector in Europe was resilient and that the institution was ready to provide liquidity if … Read more