Swiss Re delivers verdict on Euro area inflation

Swiss Re delivers verdict on Euro area inflation | Insurance Business New Zealand

Reinsurance

Swiss Re delivers verdict on Euro area inflation

Upside risks in second half to present a challenge

Reinsurance

By
Kenneth Araullo

The Swiss Re Institute has shared insights into the inflation trends within the Euro area, projecting a return to the 2% mark, consistent with expectations of economic normalization.

According to the analysis, current market forecasts for year-on-year inflation by September are aligned around 2%, albeit with some perceived upside risks. The reinsurer expects a temporary dip below this 2% threshold due to base effects, followed by a reacceleration later in the year, without endorsing the notion of a “second-wave” of inflation.

As of February 2024, the Euro area witnessed a year-on-year inflation rate of 2.6%, a decrease from just over 5% observed last summer, marking significant progress towards disinflation. Swiss Re expects this downward trend to continue, with inflation likely dipping below 2% in the latter half of the year due to lower energy prices’ base effects.

However, a rebound is expected as these effects wane and services inflation remains high due to persistent wage growth. The potential for continued shipping disruptions also poses additional inflationary pressure, especially during the peak shipping season later in the year.

Interest rate cuts on the horizon

In light of recent comments by European Central Bank (ECB) president Christine Lagarde, Swiss Re expects the ECB may initiate interest rate cuts as early as its June meeting, a critical juncture that coincides with inflation rates bottoming out before an expected rise.

That said, the reinsurer cautions against interpreting a temporary inflation uptick as a precursor to a widespread second inflationary wave, emphasizing that such a short-term increase, largely due to base effects, should not significantly impact inflation-sensitive insurance claims.

Swiss Re notes that the Euro area inflation is on a path toward normalization, averaging around 2.1% in the coming decade. However, the transition from the inflation spikes of 2022-23 is expected to be uneven, with potential short-term deviations below and above the 2% target.

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