European Central Bank
The euro fell to $1. 1161 amid France’s financial problems and fears of the crisis spreading. The dollar strengthened despite weak U.S. employment data.
Christine Lagarde said that Europe needs its own AI technologies and computing capacity for autonomy and economic efficiency. According to her, the shortage of data centers could increase sixfold.
The digital euro will help the ECB retain control over the currency and payment infrastructure. It may be approved on January 1, 2027.
ECB President Christine Lagarde expects gas prices to potentially rise due to supply disruptions and a cold winter. Extreme weather could make food more expensive.
The ECB raised the deposit rate to 2. 5% amid inflation of over 3% due to higher energy prices. The regulator forecasts 3% inflation in 2026.
The Finance Minister forecasts a budget deficit of up to $32. 6 billion and a possible postponement of non-military payments. He called on the EU to use Russian assets.
The European Central Bank has presented 10 design options for the new generation of euro banknotes. Voting among eurozone citizens will last until September 21, with the final design to be determined at the end of the year.
The ECB raised the deposit rate to 2. 25% due to inflation at 3.2%. The reason was the rise in energy prices amid the war surrounding Iran.
Kaja Kallas and EU member states consider the appointment of a negotiator premature. The bloc is preparing its 21st sanctions package and focusing on strategy rather than personalities.
The Netherlands propose directing 210 billion euros of Russian assets toward Ukraine's defense. The initiative was discussed at a closed-door meeting of EU finance ministers.
French Finance Minister Roland Lescure demands an increase in euro-based tokens. EU banks plan to launch their own digital currency in 2026.
Brussels urges governments to limit aid due to rising energy prices. Officials fear a new wave of inflation and rising national debt.
U. S. officials are modeling extreme scenarios of the economic impact of a war with Iran. Brent crude has already surpassed $100 per barrel.
The European Commission warns of rising oil and gas prices due to the conflict. This will lead to a fall in GDP and a tough ECB policy on interest rates.
The euro exchange rate fell to a four-month low due to rising oil prices. Investors expect stagflation in the eurozone and are massively buying up the US dollar.
Global regulators and economists warn of a data deficit to identify financial crisis risks. Companies are moving into the private sector, making it difficult to assess economic health.
Ukraine expects official approval of a new $8. 2 billion IMF program in the coming weeks. This agreement will replace the existing credit facility and help maintain economic stability.
Europe needs to reduce its dependence on American payment groups such as Visa and Mastercard, said Martina Weimert, head of the banking alliance EPI. This is due to concerns that their dominance could be weaponized in the event of a deterioration in transatlantic relations.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed concern over the falling dollar exchange rate, which puts pressure on European exporters. He called on the EU to increase competitiveness amid the weakening American currency.
The hryvnia exchange rate at the end of 2025 turned out to be stronger than predicted, which casts doubt on the government's pessimistic expectations for 2026. Expert Ihor Garbaruk points to the risk of budget non-fulfillment due to an overestimated planned exchange rate.
The US dollar weakened on Wednesday, poised for its biggest annual drop since 2017, as investors anticipate further Fed rate cuts. The euro and pound sterling strengthened, reaching new three-month highs.
European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde expressed confidence that EU leaders will agree on a way to support Ukraine. She expects a solution to be found, despite possible difficulties, as the issue is too important.
Rating agency Fitch has placed Euroclear Bank's ratings on Rating Watch Negative due to EU plans to use frozen Russian assets for a 'reparations' loan to Ukraine. This could lead to increased legal and liquidity risks for Euroclear.
ECB President Christine Lagarde stated that the new EU proposal on using frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine is the most compliant with international law. EU leaders are discussing the involvement of 210 billion euros of Russian sovereign assets frozen in Europe.
The 2026 budget lays down a record need for external injections and a significant increase in expenditures. As fintech expert Olena Sosedka notes, the economy will be extremely sensitive to financing delays, and the dollar exchange rate may temporarily rise to UAH 49.
The European Central Bank has rejected participation in the European Commission's proposal to use frozen Russian assets. This complicates the attraction of a loan secured by the immobilized assets of the Russian central bank.
The US dollar held firm at high levels in early Asian trading on Friday after reaching a three-month high. The dollar index remained stable at 99.478 after the stock market fell on Wall Street on Thursday.
Germany's annual inflation rate fell to 2. 3% in October after 2.4% in September, exceeding the market forecast of 2.2%. The slowdown was driven by cheaper energy and slower food price growth, while the cost of services continued to rise.
Why the National Bank is preventing a sharp fall of the national currency and what will happen to the dollar.
The US opposes the EU's plan to use frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine, citing risks to market stability. This move is a setback for the EU, which has been trying to persuade G7 countries to join its initiative.