"The euro area economy continues to expand at a moderate but steady pace, despite the adverse effects of global economic and political uncertainty. This gradual upward trend is expected to continue, not least owing to our monetary policy measures".
- Mario Draghi, ECB
Corporate lending in the Euro zone advanced at the fastest pace since June 2011 in October, while the total amount of currency in circulation fell, official figures showed on Monday. According to the European Central Bank, lending to firms rose 2.1% on a monthly basis in October, the fastest pace in more than five years, following the preceding month's gain of 2.0%. Lending to households climbed 1.8% on an annual basis in the same month, unchanged from the September reading, whereas market analysts anticipated a slight increase to 1.9%. A measure of the money supply in the region, known as M3, grew 4.4% year-over-year in October, down from the prior month's 5.1% and below the 5.0% increase market forecast. The Central bank's policymakers are widely expected to extend their quantitative easing program by six months at their next meeting on December 8. According to the OECD's latest forecasts published on Monday, the Euro zone is set to grow 1.7% in 2016 and 1.6% in 2016, both figures were revised up from the September estimates despite the post-Brexit uncertainties. Moreover, later on the same day, Mario Draghi said in his speech to the European Parliament that the economy managed to overcome major challenges caused by Britain's decision to leave the European Union.
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