BRUSSELS (Reuters) – Economic sentiment in the euro zone ticked up last month but inflation held in negative territory before what is likely to be a slow rise this year as some tax cuts are reversed, oil prices rise and the economy starts to recover.
Inflation in the 19 countries sharing the euro was unchanged at minus 0.3% in December, Eurostat data showed on Thursday, underperforming analyst expectations for a minus 0.2% reading but broadly in line with the European Central Bank’s own projections.
With the economy likely shrinking again in the fourth quarter and inflation below zero since August, the ECB already approved a new package of stimulus measures in December, extending copious asset buys well into 2022 to insulate an economy likely to face permanent damage from the pandemic. Read more…..
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This year was devastating for many, filled with financial hardships for businesses and families across the country. This New Year’s Day, NBC News senior business correspondent Stephanie Ruhle joins TODAY with financial tips and advice for the year ahead.