Euro (EUR)
Eurozone (20 EU countries) · European Central Bank (ECB) · Free float
The Euro is the world's second most traded and held reserve currency, shared by twenty European Union countries with a single monetary policy.
Major contributors to the economy
- Advanced manufacturing and cars (Germany)
- Services and finance
- Tourism
- Chemicals and pharmaceuticals
- Agriculture and food
Key factors
- ECB interest-rate policy. ECB decisions and guidance on rates and bond buying are the main driver of the Euro.
- Eurozone inflation and growth. Flash inflation figures and business surveys (PMIs) shift rate expectations.
- Energy prices. Europe imports most of its energy, so high gas and oil prices weigh on the Euro.
- Political and debt risk. Elections and bond-spread stress in members such as Italy can hurt the currency.