As every Sunday, the most important news from the past week, as well as the most important dates for the coming week.
Also as a video:
https://youtube.com/shorts/7crHwgH30Bs?si=HeDDRtkMRANq7b_X
Monday:
$F3C (+3,33 %) SFC Energy is benefiting significantly from the new billion-euro package. The manufacturer of fuel cells for decentralized power generation generates 10% of its sales in the defence sector. There could now be even more growth potential here.
The OECD has halved its growth forecast for Germany. Instead of 0.7 %, it is now expected to be just 0.4 % in 2025. A growth package is not enough; approval procedures in particular are hampering investment in Germany. However, the growth package has not yet been included in the forecast as it has not yet been finalized.
Tuesday:
The price of gold cracks the USD 3,000 mark. This makes the precious metal more expensive than ever before. Despite the historical return of around 2.6% per year (barely above inflation), gold has gained enormously in value, particularly in recent years. Three factors in particular are currently driving prices: uncertainty over trade conflicts, geopolitical risks and massive purchases by central banks.
Wednesday:
The Japanese central bank leaves its interest rate at 0.5%. However, it announces further interest rate hikes because inflation in Japan remains high.
The Fed leaves the key interest rate unchanged, but is still planning two rate cuts this year. The Fed thus calms the markets and share prices rise.
Thursday:
The SNB (Swiss National Bank) lowers the interest rate to 0.25%. This means that Switzerland is on the verge of introducing negative interest rates again. The reason for the high interest rate differential to other Western countries is the strong franc. Low interest rates are intended to prevent further appreciation.
While the ECB and SNB have cut interest rates further, the Fed and the BoE are pausing interest rates. This was also expected at the BoE. The BoE left its key interest rate at 4.5%, citing the intensification of trade conflicts.
These are the most important dates for the coming week:
Monday: 09:30 Purchasing Managers' Index (DE)
Tuesday: 10:00 ifo Business Climate (DE)
Friday: 00:30 Inflation data (Japan)
Can you think of any other dates? Write it in the comments 👇