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The Eurozone is in Expansion Territory
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Economic growth in the eurozone is at the highest level in a decade and the outlook is positive for 2018. This article looks at potential opportunities as well as some challenges on the horizon.
The Eurozone is in Expansion Territory
Promoted by
Economic growth in the eurozone is at the highest level in a decade and the outlook is positive for 2018. This article looks at potential opportunities as well as some challenges on the horizon.
In this week’s ETFS Trade idea, we look to the European economic and political outlook for 2018 and highlight potential opportunities as well as some challenges on the horizon.
Eurozone economy growing at fastest pace in a decade
European data continues to paint a picture of an economy on the up, with positive momentum predicted to carry into 2018. Eurozone GDP grew at a rate of 2.7% in 2017 and the outlook remains positive, with the IMF forecasting growth to remain above 2% for at least the next two years. Moreover, while much of the initial impetus had come from the powerhouses of Germany and France, the periphery has now started to follow suit.
Labour markets are looking strong, with unemployment across the region continuing to plummet and wage growth picking up. Despite slipping slightly in February, sentiment remains high, with economic and consumer confidence both at levels last seen in 2001. PMI data remains positive and there are signs that excess capacity is shrinking as economic growth gathers pace.
Monetary policy outlook remains stable
In the face of an expanding economy, the monetary policy outlook is surprisingly stable. Monetary stimulus in the form of the ECB’s unprecedented asset-buying programme is likely to remain. Inflationary pressures appear subdued, with CPI falling from 1.5% in November to 1.4% in December, well below the ECB’s target level of 2%.
The strength of the euro is also aiding the stimulus impact by reducing inflationary pressure from imported goods. In US dollar terms, the euro has appreciated by over 17% since the start of 2017. In historical terms, the currency is currently sitting close to its long-term average level, and many analysts are predicting further appreciation in 2018.
Political risks remain on the horizon
Political risks, so prominent in the European dialogue over the past decade, took a back seat to the improving economy in the second half of 2017. French, Dutch and German elections took place without major incident as the anti-EU populist threat appeared to dissipate.
Italian elections on 4th March are the next major event to face the region. Former President Silvio Berlusconi’s Forza Italia party are, according to polls, looking likely to be the largest in a right-leaning coalition campaigning on an anti-immigration platform. With Italy widely viewed as the most anti-EU of the major nations, observers will be watching developments with interest.
Other risk events likely to have a bearing on the shape of Europe this year include the ongoing Brexit negotiations, the final wash-up for Germany’s coalition government and developments in the Catalan push for independence.
How to invest in the eurozone?
ETFS EURO STOXX 50 ETF (ESTX) is well positioned for investors for the following reasons:
- ESTX captures the performance of the 50 largest corporations in the eurozone – all significant global players in their fields.
- ESTX tracks the world’s most widely traded European benchmark index – the EURO STOXX 50 Index.
- ESTX is unhedged with respect to currency movements; meaning that investors benefit from a strengthening euro or weakening Australian dollar and vice-versa.
- No UK companies are included in ESTX, making it somewhat Brexit remote compared to other pan-European funds.
- ESTX is the joint lowest cost Europe-focused ETF on the ASX with an MER of 0.35% p.a.
- ESTX is domiciled in Australia so there are no W8-BEN tax forms for investors to complete and US estate tax is not applicable
- ESTX has Recommended rating by Lonsec.
ETFS EURO STOXX 50® ETF factsheet
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