Search results for euro zone
Fintech
ECB seeks online merchants to test digital euro payments
The European Central Bank is seeking euro zone online and mobile commerce operators to test real-world payment conditions for a digital euro. The ECB has begun taking applications for its pilot from online retailers and mobile commerce businesses, expanding participation beyond 36 previously selected payment service providers to include merchants. Selected operators will process payments using a beta version that is similar in function but not legal tender. The pilot is planned for 12 months from the second half of 2027.
Finance
ECB raises deposit rate to 2.5 percent as oil tops $100 a barrel
The European Central Bank raised its benchmark deposit rate to 2.5 percent, citing a surge in energy prices tied to Middle East conflict and concern inflation will stay high for longer. The ECB also lifted its main refinancing rate to 2.65 percent and the marginal lending facility to 2.90 percent from Sept. 16. It nudged up its 2026 euro zone growth forecast and warned of second-round effects from energy to broader prices.
AI & Enterprise
U.S. AI investment seen up 40%, widening gap with Europe
U.S. companies’ push to increase artificial intelligence investment is expected to widen the gap with Europe. Oxford Economics forecast real U.S. spending on new AI hardware and infrastructure will rise 40% by the end of 2027 from 2021, versus 12% in the euro zone. Global AI funding has expanded sharply, with 2025 investment up 129.9% to $581.69 billion. Regulators warn of an investment bust if returns disappoint.
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AI & Enterprise
ECB warns of shock scenario: Even if AI is real, stocks can still slump
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Crypto
ECB selects 36 companies to test digital euro ahead of 2027 pilot
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Crypto
June crypto card top-ups surge, bucking broader trading slump
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AI & Enterprise
ECB urgently calls euro zone banks to discuss \'Mythos shock\'
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Finance
Kosdaq rally as semiconductors pause puts focus on this week\'s market direction
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Crypto
Bitcoin slips below $79,000; can bond outflows drive rebound?
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Finance
Anthropic\'s Mythos finds security gaps; U.S. banks rush patches
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Crypto
ECB president says central bank money infrastructure should come before euro stablecoins
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Crypto
Bitcoin holds above $81,000 amid derivatives stall; will rally continue?
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Finance
Digital euro to use European standards instead of Visa, Mastercard
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Economy
OECD sparks signs of wave of Korea growth downgrades amid Middle East vulnerability
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Crypto
European banks seek exchange ties ahead of 2026 stablecoin launch
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Crypto
ECB to push digital euro pilot in 2027, select payment firms in Q1 this year