WSJ Economy

Confidence among investors fell this month, highlighting the fragile nature of an anticipated rebound in Europe’s largest economy this year.

The 5.2% reading—combined with slowing wage growth—provides further incentive for the BOE to cut its key rate next month.

Factory shipments rose 0.6% on month in December, driven by sales of motor vehicles and food products.

Industrial production fell 1.4% in December, halting three consecutive months of expansion after output declined in Germany.

Belief in self-reliance and the ability to overcome adversity is shared by those with a bright outlook, according to WSJ reader responses.

The economy grew 0.2% in the final quarter of 2025, shrugging off some of the U.S. tariff-related impact that hit activity earlier in the year.

The Japanese economy narrowly ​returned to growth in the final quarter of 2025, largely defying the U.S. tariff hit and giving the central bank room to keep raising rates.

Property website Rightmove said U.K. house prices in February were virtually flat on month as a high choice of homes for sale and steadying buyer activity prevented a rise.

Modular housing and easier access to home loans are among the proposals lawmakers are working on.

Inflation is easing, jobs are holding up, and growth is solid. But after years of high prices and with new risks emerging, declarations of victory feel premature.

The administration is weighing a plan to ease tariffs on some consumer goods while protecting U.S. companies facing overseas competition.

While the reading was cooler than expected, consumers still saw higher costs for computers, ​appliances​ and hospital care.

U.S. gross domestic product data, PCE inflation figures and minutes from the Federal Reserve’s last meeting are awaited as investors continue to gauge when the next interest-rate cut is likely.

Huw Pill said inflation can be squeezed out of the economy without a rise in borrowing costs.

Exports from the EU to the rest of the world increased 2% in 2025, while imports gained at a faster 2.4% pace.

Annual inflation was unchanged at 0.1%, reinforcing expectations that the Swiss National Bank will keep rates on hold at its next meeting.

Bank of Japan policy board member Naoki Tamura floated the possibility that the bank could soon declare that its price target has been achieved, as the nation’s inflation is becoming stickier.

Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers has filled a vacancy on the policy-setting board of the Reserve Bank of Australia by appointing economist Bruce Preston.

Freezing temperatures and high home prices snuffed out the sales momentum from previous months.

U.S. jobless claims fell last week as employers held onto their staff at stable levels.