European Central Bank

Beyond the short run: monetary policy and innovation investment

07/28/2025 European Central Bank Central banks

This paper provides novel empirical evidence on the impact of monetary policy on innovation investment using unique firm-level data. First, we document the effect of a large, systematic monetary tightening (ECB rate increases from 0% to 4.5% during 2022-23), with average firm-level innovation cuts of 20%. These cuts persist over the medium term, indicating a sustained innovation slowdown. Second, we use the survey to identify elasticities of innovation expenditure to exogenous policy rate changes.

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.

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.

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.

Bank fragility and risk management

07/15/2025 European Central Bank Central banks

Shocks to a bank’s ability to raise liquidity at short notice can trigger depositor panics. Why don’t banks take a more active role in managing these risks? We study contingent risk management (hedging) in a standard global-games model of a bank run. Banks fail to hedge precisely when the exposure to a shock is most severe, just when risk management would have the biggest impact. Higher bank capital and broader deposit-insurance coverage crowd out hedging by banks that already manage risk, yet encourage more banks to establish risk management desks in the first place.

Bank fragility and risk management

07/15/2025 European Central Bank Central banks

Shocks to a bank’s ability to raise liquidity at short notice can trigger depositor panics. Why don’t banks take a more active role in managing these risks? We study contingent risk management (hedging) in a standard global-games model of a bank run. Banks fail to hedge precisely when the exposure to a shock is most severe, just when risk management would have the biggest impact. Higher bank capital and broader deposit-insurance coverage crowd out hedging by banks that already manage risk, yet encourage more banks to establish risk management desks in the first place.

When margins call: liquidity preparedness of non-bank financial institutions

07/14/2025 European Central Bank Central banks

We propose a novel framework to assess systemic risk stemming from the inadequate liquidity preparedness of non-bank financial institutions (NBFIs) to derivative margin calls. Unlike banks, NBFIs may struggle to source liquidity and meet margin calls during periods of significant asset price fluctuations, potentially triggering asset fire sales and amplifying market volatility. We develop a set of indicators and statistical methods to assess liquidity preparedness and examine risk transmission through common asset holdings and counterparty exposures.

From risk to buffer: calibrating the positive neutral CCyB rate in the euro area

07/14/2025 European Central Bank Central banks

This paper proposes a novel yet intuitive method for the calibration of the CCyB through the cycle in the euro area, including the positive neutral CCyB rate. The paper implements the Risk-to-Buffer framework by Couaillier and Scalone (2024) in both a DSGE and macro time series setting and proposes a calibration of the PN CCyB aimed to reduce the macroeconomic amplification of shocks occurring in an environment where risks are neither subdued nor elevated.

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