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Mario Draghi: eurozone growth depends on central bank support - business live Mario Draghi: eurozone growth depends on central bank support - business live
(35 minutes later)
Benchmark Brent crude oil is currently up 1.2% or 72 cents at $62.05 a barrel.
But it is still on course for the first weekly loss in six, as Russia’s reluctance to cut production fuels concerns of oversupply. Prices are expected to end the week 2% to 3% lower than the end of last week.
Tamas Varga, analyst at PVM Oil Associates, said the rise today shouldn’t be overplayed.
After five days of continuous losses, an upside correction is always on the cards. Such a jump, however, will not mean a change of heart.
Over in Greece, EU auditors have given a mixed verdict on the handling of the country’s three bailouts. Helena Smith reports from Athens:Over in Greece, EU auditors have given a mixed verdict on the handling of the country’s three bailouts. Helena Smith reports from Athens:
The three financial lifelines thrown Greece in 2010, 2012 and 2015 achieved their overarching goal of averting default but were far from successful in other respects, EU auditors have concluded.The three financial lifelines thrown Greece in 2010, 2012 and 2015 achieved their overarching goal of averting default but were far from successful in other respects, EU auditors have concluded.
Issuing their first in-depth look into the cash- for-reform programmes, the independent Luxembourg-based court of auditors said Greece’s continued inability to finance itself on international markets “remains a challenge.”Issuing their first in-depth look into the cash- for-reform programmes, the independent Luxembourg-based court of auditors said Greece’s continued inability to finance itself on international markets “remains a challenge.”
Design and implementation of economic policies was poorly judged, the watchdog claimed, with Greece’s economic depression being much deeper than ever envisaged as a result of tough fiscal measures.Design and implementation of economic policies was poorly judged, the watchdog claimed, with Greece’s economic depression being much deeper than ever envisaged as a result of tough fiscal measures.
It added:It added:
The [EU] commission did not comprehensively consider Greece’s implementation capacity in the design process and thus did not adapt the scope and timing accordingly.The [EU] commission did not comprehensively consider Greece’s implementation capacity in the design process and thus did not adapt the scope and timing accordingly.
More than €350bn has been poured into Greece by the EU and IMF to keep the country afloat.More than €350bn has been poured into Greece by the EU and IMF to keep the country afloat.
The Greek government, which is preparing to exit the country’s third €86bn rescue programme in August 2018 – and is desperately trying to rally spirits ahead of that – did not comment on the report. It is far from sure if Greece will require further aid when its current programme officially expires.The Greek government, which is preparing to exit the country’s third €86bn rescue programme in August 2018 – and is desperately trying to rally spirits ahead of that – did not comment on the report. It is far from sure if Greece will require further aid when its current programme officially expires.
The FTSE 100 has reversed its earlier losses and is now up 15 points, partly because the pound’s earlier gains have largely been erased.The FTSE 100 has reversed its earlier losses and is now up 15 points, partly because the pound’s earlier gains have largely been erased.
The FTSE tends to do better when the pound is weaker, because so many of the companies listed have significant overseas earnings.The FTSE tends to do better when the pound is weaker, because so many of the companies listed have significant overseas earnings.
Here are the current scores across Europe:Here are the current scores across Europe:
FTSE 100: +0.2% at 7,402FTSE 100: +0.2% at 7,402
Germany’s DAX: +0.1% at 13,065Germany’s DAX: +0.1% at 13,065
France’s CAC: +0.2% at 5,345France’s CAC: +0.2% at 5,345
Italy’s FTSE MIB: -0.2% at 22,158Italy’s FTSE MIB: -0.2% at 22,158
Spain’s IBEX: -0.3% at 10,058Spain’s IBEX: -0.3% at 10,058
Europe’s STOXX 600: -0.1% at 384Europe’s STOXX 600: -0.1% at 384
The pound has lost some of its earlier sparkle and is now trading roughly flat against the dollar at $1.3197.The pound has lost some of its earlier sparkle and is now trading roughly flat against the dollar at $1.3197.
It has also slipped agains the euro, down 0.2% at €1.1186.It has also slipped agains the euro, down 0.2% at €1.1186.
David Madden, market analyst at CMC Markets, explains the gravity of the situation facing Carillion and its shareholders:David Madden, market analyst at CMC Markets, explains the gravity of the situation facing Carillion and its shareholders:
Shares in Carillion have collapsed yet again as the troubled construction company stated it will breach its banking covenants. The company also lowered its profit outlook again and stated that their asset sale programme isn’t going as fast as they had hoped.Shares in Carillion have collapsed yet again as the troubled construction company stated it will breach its banking covenants. The company also lowered its profit outlook again and stated that their asset sale programme isn’t going as fast as they had hoped.
Things have gone from bad to worse at Carillion, and the business is in dire need to cash to keep the lights on. Even though the business has plenty of work in the pipeline, it must scramble for cash in order to keep its head above water.Things have gone from bad to worse at Carillion, and the business is in dire need to cash to keep the lights on. Even though the business has plenty of work in the pipeline, it must scramble for cash in order to keep its head above water.
The UK government is one of Carillion’s biggest clients and is monitoring the firm’s troubles.The UK government is one of Carillion’s biggest clients and is monitoring the firm’s troubles.
Reuters quotes a spokeswoman at the Cabinet Office:Reuters quotes a spokeswoman at the Cabinet Office:
The company has kept us informed of the steps it is taking to restructure the business.The company has kept us informed of the steps it is taking to restructure the business.
We remain supportive of their ongoing discussions with their stakeholders and await future updates on their progressWe remain supportive of their ongoing discussions with their stakeholders and await future updates on their progress
“Carillion horror show continues”, is how Nicholas Hyett, equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, describes the latest developments at the construction firm.“Carillion horror show continues”, is how Nicholas Hyett, equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, describes the latest developments at the construction firm.
He adds:He adds:
Some sort of recapitalisation was inevitable, but a possible debt for equity swap, with debt even higher than the group had anticipated, is probably as bad as anyone would have guessed.Some sort of recapitalisation was inevitable, but a possible debt for equity swap, with debt even higher than the group had anticipated, is probably as bad as anyone would have guessed.
The group has made some progress on asset sales, and it sounds like some cost savings are being made. It’s not what the group expected though, and it’s clearly not enough. It’s also probably irrelevant given the state of the balance sheet, with net debt already many multiples of the group’s market capitalisation.The group has made some progress on asset sales, and it sounds like some cost savings are being made. It’s not what the group expected though, and it’s clearly not enough. It’s also probably irrelevant given the state of the balance sheet, with net debt already many multiples of the group’s market capitalisation.
Carillion shares plunged as much as 60% in early trading after the construction group involved in HS2 and Battersea Power Station issued its third profit warning of the year:Carillion shares plunged as much as 60% in early trading after the construction group involved in HS2 and Battersea Power Station issued its third profit warning of the year:
The group now expects that a combination of delays to certain PPP disposals, a slippage in the commencement date of a significant project in the Middle East and lower than expected margin improvements across a small number of UK Support Services contracts, partially offset by cost savings initiatives realised in the fourth quarter, will lead to profits for the year to 31 December 2017 being materially lower than current market expectations.The group now expects that a combination of delays to certain PPP disposals, a slippage in the commencement date of a significant project in the Middle East and lower than expected margin improvements across a small number of UK Support Services contracts, partially offset by cost savings initiatives realised in the fourth quarter, will lead to profits for the year to 31 December 2017 being materially lower than current market expectations.
Shares are now down 37% at 26p.Shares are now down 37% at 26p.
The company, which is struggling to cope with a large debt pile and badly-performing contracts, said the board expects a covenant breach at the end of December and will need to implement a recapitalisation plan.The company, which is struggling to cope with a large debt pile and badly-performing contracts, said the board expects a covenant breach at the end of December and will need to implement a recapitalisation plan.
Keith Cochrane, interim chief executive, said:Keith Cochrane, interim chief executive, said:
Whilst we continue to target cash collections, reduce costs, execute disposals and focus on delivering for our customers, it is clear that significant challenges remain and more needs to be done to reduce net debt and rebuild the balance sheet.Whilst we continue to target cash collections, reduce costs, execute disposals and focus on delivering for our customers, it is clear that significant challenges remain and more needs to be done to reduce net debt and rebuild the balance sheet.
Constructive dialogue is continuing with our financial stakeholders, and I am grateful for their support. I remain focused on addressing this issue before my successor, Andrew Davies, takes up the role on 2 April 2018.Constructive dialogue is continuing with our financial stakeholders, and I am grateful for their support. I remain focused on addressing this issue before my successor, Andrew Davies, takes up the role on 2 April 2018.
Love it or hate it, Black Friday is almost upon us.Love it or hate it, Black Friday is almost upon us.
In recent years Britain has embraced the American tradition where retailers slash prices the day after Thanksgiving.In recent years Britain has embraced the American tradition where retailers slash prices the day after Thanksgiving.
British shoppers are expected to spend £10.1bn in the week of Black Friday, which falls on 24 November this year.British shoppers are expected to spend £10.1bn in the week of Black Friday, which falls on 24 November this year.
Just in case you’re interested, here is a piece we’ve done on some of the best deals going this year:Just in case you’re interested, here is a piece we’ve done on some of the best deals going this year:
News of Greggs controversial decision to replace the baby Jesus with a sausage roll in an advent calendar has rippled across the Atlantic:News of Greggs controversial decision to replace the baby Jesus with a sausage roll in an advent calendar has rippled across the Atlantic:
Greggs, which specializes in the popular delicacy, apologized for replacing the baby Jesus with a pastry wrapped around sausage meat. https://t.co/R4lFlZWtZdGreggs, which specializes in the popular delicacy, apologized for replacing the baby Jesus with a pastry wrapped around sausage meat. https://t.co/R4lFlZWtZd
Draghi concludes by returning to one of his favourite themes, saying eurozone governments should do their bit to secure future economic stability by getting their “fiscal houses in order”.Draghi concludes by returning to one of his favourite themes, saying eurozone governments should do their bit to secure future economic stability by getting their “fiscal houses in order”.
The ECB will do our bit, you do yours, is the message:The ECB will do our bit, you do yours, is the message:
ECB’s mandate is framed in terms of price stability, as this is the best contribution that we can make to the welfare of citizens. Ensuring price stability is a precondition for the economy to be able to grow along a balanced path that can be sustained in the long run. This is the guiding principle of all our monetary policy decisions.ECB’s mandate is framed in terms of price stability, as this is the best contribution that we can make to the welfare of citizens. Ensuring price stability is a precondition for the economy to be able to grow along a balanced path that can be sustained in the long run. This is the guiding principle of all our monetary policy decisions.
With the recovery ongoing, now is the right moment for the euro area to address further challenges to stability. This means actively putting our fiscal houses in order and building up buffers for the future – not just waiting for growth to gradually reduce debt.With the recovery ongoing, now is the right moment for the euro area to address further challenges to stability. This means actively putting our fiscal houses in order and building up buffers for the future – not just waiting for growth to gradually reduce debt.
It means implementing structural reforms that will allow our economies to converge and grow at higher speeds over the long term. And it means addressing the remaining gaps in the institutional architecture of our monetary union.It means implementing structural reforms that will allow our economies to converge and grow at higher speeds over the long term. And it means addressing the remaining gaps in the institutional architecture of our monetary union.
The full text of Mario Draghi’s speech is available on the ECB website:The full text of Mario Draghi’s speech is available on the ECB website:
Speech Mario Draghi: Monetary policy and the outlook for the economy https://t.co/QmtGNrFobjSpeech Mario Draghi: Monetary policy and the outlook for the economy https://t.co/QmtGNrFobj
Here comes the “but” part of the ECB president’s speech.Here comes the “but” part of the ECB president’s speech.
Mario Draghi says that despite solid growth and rising employment, inflation is not at the point where it will pick up without stimulus from the central bank. (Eurozone inflation dipped to 1.4% in October from 1.5% in September.)Mario Draghi says that despite solid growth and rising employment, inflation is not at the point where it will pick up without stimulus from the central bank. (Eurozone inflation dipped to 1.4% in October from 1.5% in September.)
He says the recovery thus far has been highly dependent on the bank’s support.He says the recovery thus far has been highly dependent on the bank’s support.
The key quote:The key quote:
We are not yet at a point where the recovery of inflation can be self-sustained without our accommodative policy. A key motor of the recovery remains the very favourable financing conditions facing firms and households, which are in turn heavily contingent on our policy measures.We are not yet at a point where the recovery of inflation can be self-sustained without our accommodative policy. A key motor of the recovery remains the very favourable financing conditions facing firms and households, which are in turn heavily contingent on our policy measures.
An ample degree of monetary stimulus remains necessary for underlying inflation pressures to build up and support headline inflation over the medium term.An ample degree of monetary stimulus remains necessary for underlying inflation pressures to build up and support headline inflation over the medium term.
The ECB announced last month that it would slow its bond-buying programme to €60bn to €30bn a month starting from January.The ECB announced last month that it would slow its bond-buying programme to €60bn to €30bn a month starting from January.
However, it extended the support for at least another nine months to the end of September 2018, “or beyond, if necessary,” Draghi says.However, it extended the support for at least another nine months to the end of September 2018, “or beyond, if necessary,” Draghi says.
The key message here is that ECB policy is likely will remain supportive for some time to come.The key message here is that ECB policy is likely will remain supportive for some time to come.
Guardian Business has launched a daily email.Guardian Business has launched a daily email.
Besides the key news headlines that you’d expect, there’s an at-a-glance agenda of the day’s main events, insightful opinion pieces and a quality feature to sink your teeth into each day.Besides the key news headlines that you’d expect, there’s an at-a-glance agenda of the day’s main events, insightful opinion pieces and a quality feature to sink your teeth into each day.
For your morning shot of financial news, sign up here:For your morning shot of financial news, sign up here:
Draghi is running through stats to illustrate how much the employment picture has improved in the eurozone.Draghi is running through stats to illustrate how much the employment picture has improved in the eurozone.
He says it “a remarkable success story” that unemployment has come down in the single currency-bloc at the same time that participation in the labour market is rising, as more women and older people enter the workforce.He says it “a remarkable success story” that unemployment has come down in the single currency-bloc at the same time that participation in the labour market is rising, as more women and older people enter the workforce.
Consumption is being supported by a virtuous circle between rising labour income and rising employment. Employment in the euro area has reached its highest level ever, while unemployment has fallen to its lowest rate since January 2009.Consumption is being supported by a virtuous circle between rising labour income and rising employment. Employment in the euro area has reached its highest level ever, while unemployment has fallen to its lowest rate since January 2009.
Importantly, this has taken place against the backdrop of a rising participation rate, which is now 2 percentage points above its pre-crisis level. This has been driven in particular by the increased entry of women into the workforce, whose participation rate has risen by 4 percentage points since 2008 and reached an all-time high.Importantly, this has taken place against the backdrop of a rising participation rate, which is now 2 percentage points above its pre-crisis level. This has been driven in particular by the increased entry of women into the workforce, whose participation rate has risen by 4 percentage points since 2008 and reached an all-time high.
It has also been strongly driven by older people. Since the start of the crisis, the participation rate has increased by 3.6 percentage points for people aged 50-54, 13.6 percentage points for 55-59 year olds and 17.1 percentage points for 60-64 year olds.It has also been strongly driven by older people. Since the start of the crisis, the participation rate has increased by 3.6 percentage points for people aged 50-54, 13.6 percentage points for 55-59 year olds and 17.1 percentage points for 60-64 year olds.
Mario Draghi, president of the European Central Bank, is speaking in Frankfurt at the European Banking Congress.Mario Draghi, president of the European Central Bank, is speaking in Frankfurt at the European Banking Congress.
He begins on a positive note on the outlook for the eurozone economy:He begins on a positive note on the outlook for the eurozone economy:
The euro area is in the midst of a solid economic expansion. GDP has risen for 18 straight quarters, with the latest data and surveys pointing to unabated growth momentum in the period ahead.The euro area is in the midst of a solid economic expansion. GDP has risen for 18 straight quarters, with the latest data and surveys pointing to unabated growth momentum in the period ahead.
From the ECB’s perspective, we have increasing confidence that the recovery is robust and that this momentum will continue going forward.From the ECB’s perspective, we have increasing confidence that the recovery is robust and that this momentum will continue going forward.
The FTSE is suffering from the stronger pound this morning, Spread Ex’s Connor Campbell says:The FTSE is suffering from the stronger pound this morning, Spread Ex’s Connor Campbell says:
The pound’s up 0.4% against the greenback, with the dollar losing its House tax plan-passing buzz, as Robert Mueller subpoenaed more than a dozen Trump campaign officials. Against the euro, meanwhile, sterling nudged 0.2% higher, keeping above €1.12.The pound’s up 0.4% against the greenback, with the dollar losing its House tax plan-passing buzz, as Robert Mueller subpoenaed more than a dozen Trump campaign officials. Against the euro, meanwhile, sterling nudged 0.2% higher, keeping above €1.12.
This meant the FTSE continued to founder around the 7380 mark, dipping 0.2% as it struggles to escape its 6-week lows. As has been the case all week, commodities are doing their part, with a smattering of red among the oil and mining stocks helping suppress appetite in the UK index.This meant the FTSE continued to founder around the 7380 mark, dipping 0.2% as it struggles to escape its 6-week lows. As has been the case all week, commodities are doing their part, with a smattering of red among the oil and mining stocks helping suppress appetite in the UK index.
The FTSE 100 is down 17 points this morning, and the biggest faller among its major European peers:The FTSE 100 is down 17 points this morning, and the biggest faller among its major European peers:
FTSE 100: -0.2% at 7,370FTSE 100: -0.2% at 7,370
Germany’s DAX: +0.2% at 13,074Germany’s DAX: +0.2% at 13,074
France’s CAC: -0.02% at 5,335France’s CAC: -0.02% at 5,335
Italy’s FTSE MIB: -0.01 at 22,204Italy’s FTSE MIB: -0.01 at 22,204
Spain’s IBEX: -0.1% at 10,074Spain’s IBEX: -0.1% at 10,074
Europe’s STOXX 600: +0.02% at 385Europe’s STOXX 600: +0.02% at 385
Joseph Stiglitz, the Nobel prize-winning economist, has been interviewed by the Guardian’s economics editor, Larry Elliott, and it’s well worth a watch if you missed it:Joseph Stiglitz, the Nobel prize-winning economist, has been interviewed by the Guardian’s economics editor, Larry Elliott, and it’s well worth a watch if you missed it:
Good morning, and welcome to our rolling coverage of the world economy, the financial markets, the eurozone and business.Good morning, and welcome to our rolling coverage of the world economy, the financial markets, the eurozone and business.
The pound has a spring in its step this morning, hitting a two-week high against the dollar of $1.3252.The pound has a spring in its step this morning, hitting a two-week high against the dollar of $1.3252.
Sterling is benefitting from a sharp sell-off of the dollar triggered by reports in the US that special counsel Robert Mueller served President Trump’s election campaign a subpoena in mid-October, requesting documents relating to Russia.Sterling is benefitting from a sharp sell-off of the dollar triggered by reports in the US that special counsel Robert Mueller served President Trump’s election campaign a subpoena in mid-October, requesting documents relating to Russia.
As CMC Markets’ Michael Hewson explains, positive sentiment earlier in the day (generated by the passing of a bill in the House of Representatives aimed at cutting US company rates from 35% to 20%), quickly evaporated:As CMC Markets’ Michael Hewson explains, positive sentiment earlier in the day (generated by the passing of a bill in the House of Representatives aimed at cutting US company rates from 35% to 20%), quickly evaporated:
The passing of yesterday’s bill helped the US dollar close near its intraday peaks yesterday, while also helping push up US yields with the 2 year yield hitting its highest level since October 2008.The passing of yesterday’s bill helped the US dollar close near its intraday peaks yesterday, while also helping push up US yields with the 2 year yield hitting its highest level since October 2008.
These US dollar gains were pretty short-lived and soon gave way to selling on reports that Trump officials had been subpoenaed by special attorney Robert Mueller as part of the investigation into Russian involvement in the Trump Presidential campaign.These US dollar gains were pretty short-lived and soon gave way to selling on reports that Trump officials had been subpoenaed by special attorney Robert Mueller as part of the investigation into Russian involvement in the Trump Presidential campaign.
This sent the US dollar sharply lower against the yen, dragging on the Nikkei as well as pushing the euro above 1.1800 and the pound to a two week high above 1.3200.This sent the US dollar sharply lower against the yen, dragging on the Nikkei as well as pushing the euro above 1.1800 and the pound to a two week high above 1.3200.
The pound is currently up 0.3% at $1.3229 and is up 0.1% against the euro at €1.1223.The pound is currently up 0.3% at $1.3229 and is up 0.1% against the euro at €1.1223.
The dollar index – which measures the greenback against a basket of other major currencies - is down 0.2%.The dollar index – which measures the greenback against a basket of other major currencies - is down 0.2%.
Also coming up today...Also coming up today...
8.30am GMT: Mario Draghi, president of the European Central Bank, is giving a keynote speech at the European Banking Congress in Frankfurt8.30am GMT: Mario Draghi, president of the European Central Bank, is giving a keynote speech at the European Banking Congress in Frankfurt
1.30pm GMT: Housing starts data for October will give the latest snapshot of the US property market1.30pm GMT: Housing starts data for October will give the latest snapshot of the US property market