Central banks

Central bank independence and risk-taking at the zero lower bound

07/28/2025 European Central Bank Central banks

Unprecedented balance sheet expansion in recent years has resulted in heightened financial risk for central banks, reflected initially in higher profits and subsequently in significant losses. Combining data on central bank balance sheets with market data on asset prices, we provide evidence on the evolution and determinants of financial risk-taking by 18 advanced economy central banks. Based on the estimated Value at Risk (VaR), we document that average central bank balance sheet risk increased to about 3 percent of GDP.

AI and women’s employment in Europe

07/25/2025 European Central Bank Central banks

We examine the link between the diffusion of artificial intelligence (AI) enabled technologies and changes in the female employment share in 16 European countries over the period 2011-2019. Using data for occupations at the 3-digit level, we find that on average female employment shares increased in occupations more exposed to AI. Countries with high initial female labor force participation and higher initial female relative education show a stronger positive association.

Details matter: loan pricing and transmission of monetary policy in the euro area

07/25/2025 European Central Bank Central banks

Does the maturity of the relevant risk-free rate influence the strength of monetary policy pass-through to interest rates on new loans? To address this question, we present novel empirical evidence on lending practices across all euro area countries, using AnaCredit data covering nearly seven million new loans issued to non-financial corporations in 2022–2023. We document substantial variation in (a) the prevalence of fixed- vs floating-rate loans, (b) rate fixation periods, and (c) reference rates.

AI and women’s employment in Europe

07/25/2025 European Central Bank Central banks

We examine the link between the diffusion of artificial intelligence (AI) enabled technologies and changes in the female employment share in 16 European countries over the period 2011-2019. Using data for occupations at the 3-digit level, we find that on average female employment shares increased in occupations more exposed to AI. Countries with high initial female labor force participation and higher initial female relative education show a stronger positive association.

Details matter: loan pricing and transmission of monetary policy in the euro area

07/25/2025 European Central Bank Central banks

Does the maturity of the relevant risk-free rate influence the strength of monetary policy pass-through to interest rates on new loans? To address this question, we present novel empirical evidence on lending practices across all euro area countries, using AnaCredit data covering nearly seven million new loans issued to non-financial corporations in 2022–2023. We document substantial variation in (a) the prevalence of fixed- vs floating-rate loans, (b) rate fixation periods, and (c) reference rates.

Main findings from the ECB’s recent contacts with non-financial companies

07/25/2025 European Central Bank Central banks

This box summarises the findings of recent contacts between ECB staff and representatives of 72 leading non-financial companies operating in the euro area. According to these exchanges, which took place between 23 June and 2 July, activity growth had slowed in recent months as geopolitical and tariff-related uncertainty dented business and consumer confidence. The employment outlook had consequently also worsened. Price growth was moderating, mainly due to downward pressure on prices in the manufacturing sector caused by weak demand and increased import competition.

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