INT

The euro-area services PMIs saw the Southern economies outperforming the North, though the UK PMI was strong

Plans for the digital euro see a 2027 launch but the ECB still needs to win support from commercial banks and citizens

The global food price index fell in January, led by lower prices for maize and meat but with rice prices still high

The Bank of England has left rates on hold but the vote was split, with two members favouring a rate rise and one a cut

Big banks, broker dealers and hedge funds will have to settle their treasury and repo trades centrally from 2026

A flagship US survey of the China business climate flags some optimism but also a trend of US firms moving from China

Inflation was little changed at 2.8% last month but core inflation dropped to 3.3%; high food prices remain a concern

All major countries are racing to deploy artificial intelligence, but their national strengths vary markedly