European Central Bank moves a bit closer to ending its low interest rate policy–at least in its rhetoric

European Central Bank moves a bit closer to ending its low interest rate policy–at least in its rhetoric

At today’s meeting The European Central Bank dropped language saying that interest rates might fall further from its post-meeting statement. In April the bank had said that interest rates would remain at “present or lower levels for an extended period of time.” Today’s statement only says that interest rates would remain at “present levels for an extended period of time.”

Macron swamps Le Pen but Euro markets retreat

Macron swamps Le Pen but Euro markets retreat

And now comes the hard part. Centrist newcomer Emmanuel Macron trounced far-right candidate Marine Le Pen in Sunday’s vote for president of France. The political and business leaders of France and the European Union certainly breathed a sigh of relief. Le Pen had threatened to pull France out of the euro. But the euro and European financial markets are generally lower today.