The European Commission, in a report, released this Thursday, lowered its 2019 growth forecast to 1.9% from 2.0% previous as they see mounting risks from Italy.
Key highlights:
“¢ 2018 growth forecast at 2.1% (unchanged) and at 1.7% for 2020.
“¢ Euro-zone inflation seen at 1.8% (1.7% previous) in 2018.
“¢ Euro-zone 2019 inflation seen at 1.8% (1.7% previous) and at 1.6% in 2020.
Forecasts for Italy:
“¢ Sees Italy deficit at 1.9% in 2018, 2.9% in 2019, 3.1% in 2020.
“¢ Italy 2018 growth forecast at 1.1% vs. 1.3% previous.
“¢ Italy 2019 growth forecast at 1.2% and for 2020 at 1.1%.
German economic forecasts:
“¢ Germany 2018 growth forecast at 1.7% (previously 1.9%).
“¢ Germany 2019 growth forecast at 1.8% (previously 1.7%).
“¢ Germany 2020 growth forecast at 1.7%.