Consumer price inflation in the Eurozone has shown significant strength early in 2025, although February saw a slight cooling in price growth. New banking loans to households and non-financial corporations within the Eurozone accelerated notably in January 2025, marking a decisive shift in financial trends.
According to recent data, the cumulative new loans extended to the non-financial private sector increased by 8.6% year-on-year in January 2025. This marked the fifth consecutive month of rising loan activity, following a prolonged period of decline from May 2023 to August 2024. A major driver of this increase was the surge in loans for house purchases, which grew by an impressive 15.7% year-on-year.
The Eurozone's financial landscape has been significantly influenced by these developments. Despite the overall positive trend, France and Croatia remain as exceptions where the upturn in new monthly loans for house purchase has not fully countered the cumulative decline observed over the past year.
BNP Paribas, a key player in this financial environment, operates under multiple regulatory frameworks across different regions. In the United Kingdom, BNP Paribas London Branch is regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) for its designated investment business conduct. The firm is also a member of the London Stock Exchange, underlining its significant presence in the European financial markets.
In Japan, BNP Paribas Securities (Japan) Limited, Tokyo Branch, is registered as a financial instruments firm under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law of Japan. Similarly, BNP Paribas Singapore functions as a licensed bank regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. These regulatory affiliations highlight the bank's extensive global operations and its compliance with international financial standards.
Meanwhile, in a move that has captured global attention, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Friday to establish a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. This decision underscores an increasing recognition of cryptocurrency's role in modern finance.
BNP Paribas and its affiliates remain active market participants, buying or selling securities of issuers mentioned in financial reports, either as principal or agent. This activity may include holding long or short positions in securities or related derivatives. Additionally, BNP Paribas Securities Corp., a subsidiary of the bank, is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission as a broker-dealer.
The Eurozone's financial trajectory has seen a robust increase in new loans since late 2024, reversing previous declines. This trend reflects an invigorated demand for financial resources among households and non-financial corporations. However, while most regions observed positive growth, France and Croatia continue to face challenges in reversing their longer-term decline in housing loans.