JPMorgan Predicts Market ‘Boost’ in Second Half of the Year
According to JPMorgan‘s Head of Global Multi-Asset Strategy John Bilton, the markets are expected to be in a more favorable state next year. He stated, “If we step back and consider where we might find ourselves a year from now, the likelihood is that conditions will improve, influencing our approach to risk-taking in the current environment,” during an interview with CNBC’s “Squawk Box Europe” on Friday.
Bilton highlighted Germany’s efforts to revise its borrowing regulations and reasonable expectations for corporate profitability as favorable indicators contributing to this outlook.
While addressing potential disruptions from tariffs implemented by U.S. President Donald Trump, which might introduce volatility ahead of the April 2 enforcement date, Bilton anticipates upcoming positive developments regarding fiscal enhancements and deregulation that could lead to a market “boost” in the latter half of 2025.
– Lucy Handley
Heathrow Shutdown: Insights from Industry Experts
Aviation expert Anita Mendiratta commented on the significant ramifications of the fire and subsequent power outage that resulted in the closure of Heathrow Airport on Friday. “The pace at which the aviation industry is growing is outstripping infrastructure developments,” noted Mendiratta, who leads the consultancy AM&A, while appearing on CNBC’s “Squawk Box Europe” on Friday.
She characterized the worldwide growth in aviation as “massive,” indicating that it has surpassed pre-pandemic levels. This growth calls into question the industry’s ability to handle unexpected weather changes or geopolitical disturbances and the adequacy of the supporting infrastructure.
– Lucy Handley
U.S. Stocks Begin the Day with Declines
The leading U.S. stock indices opened lower on Friday morning. Shortly after the opening bell, the S&P 500 index fell by 0.8%, the Nasdaq Composite dropped by 1%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average decreased by 321 points, also approximately 0.8%.
– Sean Conlon
Deutsche Bank Adjusts Germany’s Growth Predictions Following Fiscal Reform
After German lawmakers approved borrowing reforms aimed at increasing national defense expenditures, Deutsche Bank’s economists announced new macroeconomic forecasts. They now project Germany’s GDP growth to rise to 1.5% in 2026 and 2.0% in 2027.
Nevertheless, they have slightly downgraded their growth forecast for 2025 to 0.3% due to stronger-than-expected global economic conditions. The initial forecast had estimated growth at 0.5% for 2025 and 1% for 2026.
– Chloe Taylor
Bank of Russia Maintains Key Rate Amid Inflation Pressures
The Bank of Russia decided to keep its key interest rate steady at 21% on Friday, citing ongoing significant inflation challenges. In their statement, the bank indicated that the current tight monetary conditions are crucial for guiding inflation back to target levels by 2026.
The bank’s board noted that a sustained period of these stringent monetary measures is essential to facilitate a return to the target inflation rate. As of March 17, Russia’s annual inflation rate stood at 10.2%, with expectations of a decrease to 7-8% in 2025 before stabilizing at 4% by 2026.
– Sawdah Bhaimiya
AstraZeneca Plans $2.5 Billion Investment in China
British pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca announced plans to invest $2.5 billion in a new research and development center in Beijing, China. This investment will increase AstraZeneca’s workforce in Beijing to approximately 1,700 employees.
This project is a partnership with the Municipal Government of Beijing and the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area Administrative Office. Under the agreement, AstraZeneca will collaborate on research and development with biotech firms, including Harbour BioMed and Syneron Bio, and establish a joint venture with BioKangtai to develop and market vaccines for various infectious diseases.
– Chloe Taylor
