Germany’s Economic Recovery Slows as Trade Tensions and Rising Costs Weigh on Growth 
Spain’s Industrial Output Records Steady Growth in October Amid Revised September Figures 
BOJ Governor Ueda Highlights Uncertainty Over Future Interest Rate Hikes 
Asia’s IPO Market Set for Strong Growth as China and India Drive Investor Diversification 
Asian Currencies Edge Higher as Markets Look to Fed Rate Cut; Rupee Steadies Near Record Lows 
Dollar Weakens Ahead of Expected Federal Reserve Rate Cut 
Asian Markets Mixed as RBI Cuts Rates and BOJ Signals Possible Hike 
IMF Deputy Dan Katz Visits China as Key Economic Review Nears 
Japan’s Nikkei Drops as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Asian Currencies Steady as Rupee Hits Record Low Amid Fed Rate Cut Bets 
China’s Services Sector Posts Slowest Growth in Five Months as Demand Softens 
Europe Confronts Rising Competitive Pressure as China Accelerates Export-Led Growth 
Asian Markets Mixed as Fed Rate Cut Bets Grow and Japan’s Nikkei Leads Gains 
Asian Currencies Steady as Markets Await Fed Rate Decision; Indian Rupee Hits New Record Low 
Gold Prices Edge Higher as Markets Await Key U.S. PCE Inflation Data 
ECB Reassesses Interest Rates as Economic Recovery Stalls
The European Central Bank (ECB) is discussing whether to cut interest rates below neutral levels to stimulate the Eurozone's faltering economy, according to multiple anonymous sources. The debate highlights growing concerns among ECB policymakers about persistently low inflation and sluggish growth.
Policy Shift Under Consideration
While the ECB has been reducing rates this year to maintain a neutral policy—neither stimulating nor restricting growth—the conversation has shifted. Some policymakers now argue that deeper cuts may be required to avoid inflation undershooting the ECB’s target, a scenario reminiscent of the pre-pandemic years.
Economic Stagnation and Inflation Risks
The Eurozone’s economic outlook has deteriorated, with inflation well below earlier forecasts. This has sparked discussions among a small but growing group of ECB officials who believe the central bank is "behind the curve." They suggest that stronger rate cuts could prevent prolonged economic stagnation and help stabilize inflation.
Calls for Policy Reevaluation
Some policymakers advocate revisiting the ECB’s current "meeting-by-meeting" approach, calling for clearer guidance on potential rate cuts. Lithuanian central bank head Gediminas Simkus has publicly expressed concerns, warning that entrenched disinflation might require lowering rates below the neutral level.
Uncertain Neutral Rate
The concept of a neutral interest rate remains uncertain, with estimates ranging between 2% and 2.5%. ECB President Christine Lagarde acknowledged this uncertainty, stating, "If you were to ask me today, 'Where is it?', the honest answer is, 'I don't know.'"
