By Peter Bergman (MoneyAmped.com)
Consumer inflation in Europe experienced a significant decline in October, reaching a level of 2.9%. This represents the lowest rate observed in over two years, primarily attributed to the decrease in fuel prices and the effective implementation of rapid interest rate hikes by the European Central Bank.
The public release of official data showing a 0.1% decline in the economic output of the 20 eurozone countries from July to September, however, offset the positive development.
Inflation Is Gradually Declining
The annual inflation rate decreased from 4.3% in September, primarily due to a notable 11.1% decline in fuel prices. Additionally, the previously concerning food inflation also decelerated, resulting in a reduced inflation rate of 7.5%.
The decline below 3% represents a notable reduction from the previous peak of over 10% observed in October 2022. This development brings the inflation rate closer to the European Central Bank’s optimal target of 2%, widely regarded as conducive to a well-functioning economy. The recorded value represents the most recent nadir observed since July 2021.
The cessation of growth coincided with a contraction in output after an extended period of near-zero stagnation.
Germany, the foremost among the 20 nations employing the euro as their currency, experienced a decline in its economic output by a margin of 0.1%. Conversely, France, the second-largest economy, achieved a mere 0.1% growth rate, decelerating from the preceding quarter’s 0.6% expansion.
An Irish statistical anomaly, in the opinion of Oxford Economics economist Rory Fennessy, may have contributed to Europe’s negative territory. The Republic of Ireland experienced the most significant decline in its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) among the economies within the eurozone, with a contraction of 1.8%. However, it is essential to note that this decline primarily reflects the financial performance of multinational corporations that have established their operations in Ireland.
The Economic Dynamics of the Eurozone Will Not Be at Its Best
According to a research note, it is observed that the economic momentum is expected to persist in a weakened state in the upcoming months. The recovery of this momentum is anticipated to occur only when wages align with the inflation rate. According to the speaker, the eurozone is poised to experience a phase of economic stagnation.
The decrease in inflation can be attributed to a sequence of expeditious interest rate adjustments implemented by the European Central Bank. Elevated central bank rates represent a customary measure to address excessive inflation levels.
Borrowing costs exert a significant influence on the overall economy, resulting in heightened credit expenses for various transactions, including but not limited to real estate acquisitions and the expansion of industrial or commercial facilities. The phenomenon above mitigates the demand for commodities, thereby exerting a constraining effect on the escalation of prices.
However, elevated rates can potentially impede the pace of economic expansion. Credit-sensitive sectors, such as the construction of residential and commercial properties, have experienced significant downturns in recent months.
Until now, persistent inflationary pressures have kept people from spending as much, as they have had to spend more of their income on necessities like food and utilities.
The future trajectory of inflation about the European Central Bank’s target remains uncertain due to elevated core inflation, which stands at 4.2% when excluding the influence of volatile fuel and food prices.
In contrast, Jack Allen-Reynolds, the deputy chief eurozone economist at Capital Economics, has observed that several indicators of potential inflation, such as company selling price projections, have significantly decreased.
The Economy Is Recovering From COVID-19
The recent surge in inflation can be attributed to the global economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic, which has resulted in a scarcity of essential components and primary resources. The worsening of the situation occurred with the incursion of Russian forces into Ukraine, resulting in a significant escalation of energy costs due to Moscow’s decision to curtail the supply of natural gas to the European region.
The economic performance of Europe in the given period stands in stark contrast to the robust growth of 4.9% witnessed in the United States. The American economy experienced this growth due to the increased expenditure by consumers and businesses actively replenishing their inventories despite facing a comparable sequence of rapid interest rate hikes implemented by the Federal Reserve.
