February 19, 2021 Economic Comment Dutch version

COVID-19 Economic Dashboard

Hard economic data usually comes available at quite some lag. To gauge the economic impact of COVID-19 we look at more timely economic indicators that are readily available. Data on traffic jams, international flights, and restaurant bookings are released sooner and more frequently. This helps us to better monitor the economic situation during the COVID-19 crisis.

February 04, 2021 Special

Momentum for green hydrogen is growing in North-West Europe

Momentum for green hydrogen is growing in North-West Europe. Almost every week, a new initiative is announced. The Netherlands has a clear lead over Germany, but the latter is catching-up fast.

February 02, 2021 Economic Comment

Eurozone economy contracts in fourth quarter of 2020

The Eurozone economy contracted with 0.7% in the final quarter of last year and with 6.8% in 2020 as a whole. Going forward, the apparent resilience of the economy bodes some comfort, but will not prevent another contraction in the current quarter.

February 01, 2021 Economic Comment

Germany: Better than expected Q4 figures, but downside risks remain

The German economy expanded by 0.1% in the fourth quarter. Going forward, there are still some major risks however. Transport prices for goods from China have quadrupled recently and pose a threat to the strong trade performance in Germany.

January 22, 2021 Economic Report

Third COVID wave will push Spain’s economy into another recession

Spain is in the midst of a heavy third coronavirus wave. The government hopes it can avert a full lockdown, but the economy will suffer anyhow. We think the economy contracted in 20Q4 and pencil in another contraction for the current quarter.

January 22, 2021 Special

Italy suffers more from third COVID wave than from government shake-up

The Italian government survived the confidence votes in parliament, but its mandate has weakened. Policymaking will be somewhat more difficult, while the third COVID wave pushes the economy back into recession.

January 21, 2021 Special

United States: President Biden

While we expect Biden’s policies to boost economic growth, we do not expect them to end the vicious cycle of polarization and social unrest that is undermining the country. In foreign and trade policy, Biden is likely to return to a multilateral approach.

January 21, 2021 Special

Implications of the EU China investment deal (CAI)

The EU-China Comprehensive Agreement on Investment (CAI) should improve EU companies’ access to China and ‘level’ the playing field. However, its commitments are ‘weak’ and the envisaged dispute resolution mechanism lacks teeth.

January 15, 2021 Economic Update

Japan: Worse before better

A new strain of coronavirus has been found in Japan while a third wave of cases sweeps over the country. That will cause the economy to contract in the first quarter of this year. In that sense, the situation will get worse before it gets better.