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Global Monthly - Six themes to watch over the summer
Despite the rollercoaster ride in between, the landing zone for tariffs is looking remarkably close to our expectations last November. Trade deals are likely to be announced over the coming weeks, and even if they aren’t, we will probably see deadlines pushed back. Growth is still expected to slow near-term, but downside risks have been reduced, while a re-escalation is likely to prove short-lived. Further out, the US economy is expected to weaken, while eurozone growth is expected to pickup, driven by higher German fiscal spending. We preview these and other themes to watch over the summer. Spotlight: In this Sustainability special, we lay out the macro-economic impact of Net Zero and Delayed Transition scenarios.
Key views Global Monthly June/July 2025
Global growth expected to slow in the near term, as the US tariff shock drives an unwind of the frontloading of exports that occurred in Q1. While the tariff hit to growth remains significant, and the global economy (especially the US) will continue to be weighed by high policy uncertainty, downside risks have eased. Interest rate cuts and other forms of policy support are a cushioning factor in the eurozone and China, while in the eurozone specifically, defence spending, and in Germany new infrastructure spending will support growth in late 2025 and into 2026. Still, the nascent recoveries in domestic demand in the eurozone and China face downside risks from weaker confidence, while in the US, demand will be hit by the tariff impact on real incomes. Inflation in the US is expected to reaccelerate, but to fall below target in the eurozone. This is driving a divergence in Fed & ECB policy, with Fed expected to stay on hold until 2026, and the ECB to cut rates somewhat further.
Housing market monitor - Income growth and limited supply drive up house prices
We expect house price growth of 8% by 2025 (was 7%). Price growth is driven primarily by income growth and supply shortage. Housing transactions are expected to increase by 12.5% in 2025 (was 5%). Sales of investment properties boost housing transactions.
Japan - The Land of the Rising Yields
We expect drags from US tariffs to keep a lid on Japanese growth. Trade talks with the US are taking quite some time. The Bank of Japan (BoJ) recently lowered its inflation forecasts, but upside risks remain. We expect the BoJ to stay on a cautious, gradual hiking path. In its June meeting, the BoJ announced to slow its pace of tapering, as expected. High public debt and rising rates pose challenges, but there are risk-mitigating factors. Meanwhile, the Japanese government bond curve has steepened due to a higher term premium. We do not have indications for structural US debt outflows by Japanese investors, yet. We expect the yen to appreciate versus the US dollar in 2025-2026.
Dutch manufacturing industry surprises with increase in new orders
The Nevi Dutch Manufacturing PMI rose from 49.0 to 51.2 in June. For the first time in a year, the score is above 50, indicating an expansion of business activity. Despite trade tensions with the United States, the level of new orders was on the rise.
The Week Ahead - 30 June - 4 July 2025
These are the Key Macro Events for the upcoming week.
ESG Economist - Strong growth in EU clean tech trade
There is a strong likelihood that global demand for low-carbon technologies (also known as ‘clean tech’) will continue to grow in the coming years. In Europe, growth in demand for clean technologies will be driven mainly by the need to meet climate targets. It is therefore important not only to expand production capacity for clean technologies on the European continent, but above all to ensure that trade flows in clean technologies remain open and accessible. Understanding global trade flows in clean technologies and market developments in this segment is important for both businesses and policymakers involved in the energy transition. It helps to identify potential risks and opportunities. In this publication, we examine the main trends in trade flows of clean technologies in the EU-27. We not only highlight the ratios of imports and exports of clean technologies in the EU-27, but also show which countries are the most important trading partners for the EU-27. We note that there are significant differences between EU Member States in terms of trade in clean technologies and that only a handful of countries make a difference in this regard. Finally, we discuss the growth of trade in clean technologies. The data show that since 2017, trade in clean technologies has grown much more strongly than total trade in goods in the EU-27. We end this note with a conclusion.
NATO Summit - Defence spending to still rise significantly, even if 3.5% is unrealistic
NATO leaders today voted to officially raise the alliance’s defence spending target to 5% of GDP from 2% previously, comprised of 3.5% in core defence spending (the figure directly comparable to the previous 2% target) and 1.5% in infrastructure related to defence. With many countries likely to have already met the latter target, the really important number is the 3.5%, and it is here where there are major doubts over both the willingness but also the capability of meeting this target. Spain has a vague exemption from the target, while other countries openly doubted the target in the run up to the Summit.
US Watch - Why tariffs will not unleash the next inflation wave
We evaluate whether the initial tariff-induced inflationary shock could once again transform into a persistent inflation wave. The trade war could cause supply chain disruptions again, although after the de-escalation this is less likely. Export restrictions remain a threat. The US is already facing a negative labour supply shock, but it’s mostly absorbed by weaker demand. The lack of stimulus from the Big beautiful bill is a blessing in disguise, as more demand-inducing spending would be inflationary. While some circumstances are similar to those that led to the 2020-2022 inflation wave, they represent minor ripples, not the perfect storm. We highlight two alternative channels that could lead to inflation picking up again.
The Week Ahead - 23 - 27 June 2025
These are the Key Macro Events for the upcoming week.