Table of Contents:
The slowdown in the Eurozone’s GDP
In the fourth quarter of 2024, the Eurozone’s gross domestic product (GDP) showed signs of slowing down, recording growth of 0.9% year-on-year. This figure, provided by Eurostat’s preliminary estimate, is slightly below the +1% expected by analysts, showing a stagnation compared to the growth of the previous three months. Experts had expected a quarterly increase of 0.1%, but the results showed no change compared to the previous quarter, confirming a weak growth trend
.
Economic implications and future prospects
The slowdown in the Eurozone’s GDP raises questions about future economic prospects. The lack of quarterly growth could reflect a number of factors, including geopolitical uncertainty, persistent inflation and the restrictive monetary policies adopted by the European Central Bank. Analysts warn that, if this trend were to continue, there could be significant repercussions on the labor market and consumer confidence, crucial elements
for economic recovery.
Shell’s financial performance
In a complex economic environment, Shell reported a 78% drop in profit in the fourth quarter of 2024. Despite this significant decline, the company maintained a solid overall financial performance for the year, with cash generation higher than in 2023. Shell also announced an increase in dividends and a new 3.5 billion dollar buyback program, a sign of confidence in its long-term financial stability. The reduction in structural costs has helped to improve the company’s resilience, allowing it to face the challenges of the energy market
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Conclusions on economic performance
In summary, the fourth quarter of 2024 showed a slowdown in Eurozone GDP, while Shell showed a mixed performance. The current economic situation requires attention and monitoring, as political and business decisions in the coming months will be crucial to determine the future direction of the European economy and of large companies in the energy sector
.
