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The Week Ahead: 9-13 March 2026

Article tags:
  • Macro economy

 - 

Bill DivineyRogier QuaedvliegArjen van Dijkhuizen(+2)

These are the key macro events for the upcoming week.

260220 Calendar

What a prolonged LNG supply shock could mean for gas prices and inflation

Article tags:
  • Macro economy

 - 

Moutaz AltaghlibiBill Diviney(+1)
energy gas flame

First signs of Germany’s fiscal spending spree

Article tags:
  • Macro economy

 - 

Bill Diviney

Defence spending is surging, according to monthly government spending data. The spending jump is now visible in factory order data, with the recent strength driven primarily by weapons and aircraft orders. Defence spending is likely to provide a cyclical tailwind to industry. But it will not be a saviour by itself given structural headwinds. A key uncertainty remains how quickly spare capacity in German industry can retool to new sources of demand.

germany economy

Improving outlook for Dutch industry

Article tags:
  • Macro economy

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Albert Jan Swart

The Nevi Dutch Manufacturing PMI has risen, from 50.1 to 50.8, indicating a clear improvement in conditions. Production in the Dutch manufacturing sector picked up faster in February. The volume of new orders fell slightly, but international conditions have further improved.

PMI industrie NL

Implications of Middle East escalation

Article tags:
  • Macro economy

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Nick KounisBill DivineyRogier Quaedvlieg(+2)

The military escalation in the Middle East threatens the economy because of the disruption to energy supplies and increased uncertainty. Energy infrastructure has not yet been significantly impacted, but that remains a risk as air strikes continue to rage. Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz - one of the world's most important energy choke points - has come to a near stand-still. Any sustained energy price shock would have more noticeable effects on inflation than growth. We present inflation scenarios assuming oil at USD 80 per barrel, 100 and 130; in all cases inflation spikes in 2026 but falls back in 2027 . For monetary policy, the duration of the shock is crucial, as are second round effects, given the focus on the medium term.

IranHeader

The Week Ahead: 2-6 March 2026

Article tags:
  • Macro economy

 - 

Rogier QuaedvliegBill DivineyArjen van Dijkhuizen(+2)

These are the key macro events for the upcoming week.

260220 Calendar

Global economic forecasts as of 21 February 2026

Article tags:
  • Macro economy

 - 

Wilma Schelvis

Group Economics writes regularly about developments in the macro economy. Here are our latest forecasts on interest rate and currency developments, energy prices and the economic trend in developed and emerging markets.

world globe flags

China - Beijing to keep targeted approach amid record trade surplus

Article tags:
  • Macro economy

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Arjen van Dijkhuizen

Mixed macro data as China enters the Year of the (Fire) Horse. Domestic supply-demand imbalances culminate in record trade surpluses. Policy targets to be announced in early March; China to benefit from US Supreme Court ruling.

china year horse 2026

US - AI momentum overshadows and deepens labour weakness

Article tags:
  • Macro economy

 - 

Rogier Quaedvlieg

The revision to labour market data brings it closer in line with sentiment. Core PCE inflation back at 3.0%, while CPI continues to slow to 2.5%. Headline GDP weaker than expected, but AI-investment fueled private demand holds up.

us fed eagle

The Netherlands - Minority coalition agreement is all about defence

Article tags:
  • Macro economy

 - 

Jan-Paul van de KerkeMax Raatjes(+1)

A strong second half of 2025 and strong momentum at the start of the year means we upgrade our growth forecasts to 1.6% for 2026 and 1.4% for 2027. Inflation is expected to moderate to 2.3% in 2026, down from 3.3% in 2025. The incoming minority government is ramping up defence spending, while keeping its finances in check. Plans are nowhere near final though, as they hinge on opposition support.

netherlands euros flag