Draghi: eurozone economy 'resilient' despite trade slowdown

Nov 16, 2018

European Central Bank head Mario Draghi says that slowing trade is proving to be a drag on the eurozone economy but says the expansion remains "resilient" as consumers at home remain willing to spend and unemployment falls

FRANKFURT, Germany — European Central Bank head Mario Draghi warns that slowing world trade is proving to be a drag on the eurozone economy but says the current expansion remains "resilient" as consumers at home remain willing to spend and unemployment falls thanks to pro-business reforms.

Draghi said in a speech Friday in Frankfurt that "there is certainly no reason why the expansion in the euro area should abruptly come to an end." He said a gradual slowdown was "normal" as expansions mature.

He said that recently weaker growth figures have also been affected by one-off factors such as strikes and disruption from carmakers failing to get vehicles certified under new emissions tests.

Draghi said the bank was sticking with its plan to phase out its bond purchase stimulus program at year end.

More News

3 Charts That Explain the Economy as Voters Head to the Polls
Oct 18, 2026
3 Charts That Explain the Economy as Voters Head to the Polls

Inflation is high, consumer spending is strong and seemingly everything depends on what happens with artificial intelligence.

Oklahoma Families Faced the Hottest Summer Ever and an Electricity Crisis
Oct 18, 2026
Oklahoma Families Faced the Hottest Summer Ever and an Electricity Crisis

Record heat, a rising demand for power and an electricity crisis are closing in on Oklahoma families trying to keep the lights on and the AC running.

United’s C.E.O. Says It Should Cost More Not to Sit in the Middle Seat
Oct 18, 2026
United’s C.E.O. Says It Should Cost More Not to Sit in the Middle Seat

Scott Kirby of United Airlines said that “it’s expensive to fly airplanes” and that airfares may have further to rise.

Turning the tides: Could hidden sea power energise our coastal towns?
Oct 18, 2026
Turning the tides: Could hidden sea power energise our coastal towns?

Engineer David Mummery has developed a tidal energy generator that he says can change lives for people living in coastal communities.

'I took a chance on the whisky industry and I haven't looked back'
Oct 18, 2026
'I took a chance on the whisky industry and I haven't looked back'

Zoey Darnbrough had no idea there was a distillery near her home - now she has a top tourism role there.

Heating oil customers face tough winter
Oct 18, 2026
Heating oil customers face tough winter

The government plans to regulate heating oil prices after increases.

There's a crackdown on sports piracy - but is it already out of control?
Oct 18, 2026
There's a crackdown on sports piracy - but is it already out of control?

The sports industry's lucrative business model is being undermined by dodgy TV sticks and illegal streaming links, writes Theo Leggett.

Trump Offers Putin Economic Relief in Hopes That Russia Will Return the Favor
Oct 17, 2026
Trump Offers Putin Economic Relief in Hopes That Russia Will Return the Favor

The Trump administration is ignoring the will of Congress and waiving new Russia sanctions amid fears that high energy prices will cost Republicans in next month’s elections.

How day of protests unfolded as disorder breaks out across France
Oct 17, 2026
How day of protests unfolded as disorder breaks out across France

Demonstrations across the country turned violent, with cars and buildings set alight and shops ransacked.

M.L.B. Playoff Ads With Sydney Sweeney and Megan Fox Draw Backlash
Oct 17, 2026
M.L.B. Playoff Ads With Sydney Sweeney and Megan Fox Draw Backlash

Commercials promoting a gambling platform and endorsing male enhancement have rankled fans, and even athletes. Who is in charge?

Weak Links Start to Show in A.I. Borrowing
Oct 17, 2026
Weak Links Start to Show in A.I. Borrowing

Debt trouble at CoreWeave, Oracle and SoftBank raises questions about whether there are broader problems with the data center build-out.

The Reporter Who Exposed Elizabeth Holmes on Nathan Fielder’s Documentary
Oct 17, 2026
The Reporter Who Exposed Elizabeth Holmes on Nathan Fielder’s Documentary

Ms. Holmes handed the makers of “You Can See Everything” — and the rest of the world — a microscope with which to observe and dissect her lies.

Manage The Numbers

Manage The Numbers is the world’s fastest-growing finance news website, featuring the latest money and market news, along with in-depth analysis so you can make the best decision.

Newsletter