A huge amount of information on the markets is available for investors. We have gathered everything important together, so you can remain up to date about the market conditions and get support for making investment decisions.
What is happening on the markets and stock exchange right now?
OP Asset Management’s weekly report 11.3.2025.
- Last week saw big movements in both the equity and fixed income markets. In the USA, the S&P 500 index saw its biggest weekly drop in half a year as Donald Trump's tariff negotiations escalated and caused concerns about the country’s economic growth. In Europe, the 10-year interest rate of Germany in turn increased considerably, as Germany announced its new intentions to invest in infrastructure and defence.
- Germany announces significant economic reforms
German CDU party leader Friedrich Merz announced a plan to get the outgoing parliament to approve a significant debt brake change, with centre parties still having a constitutional majority. This includes a EUR 500 billion special fund for infrastructure investments and the removal of the debt brake regarding defence expenses, which amount to over one per cent of the GDP. According to estimates, defence expenditure may already increase significantly next year if the plan is carried out successfully.Another important event in Europe was the EU summit, where defence expenditure was discussed. The EU leaders approved the Commission's proposals on the temporary exemption of defence expenditure from financial rules, and a suggested EUR 150 billion fund for Member States' defence loans. - ECB cuts benchmark interest rate
As expected, the ECB held an interest rate meeting and cut interest rates by 0.25 percentage points. At the press conference, ECB chair Christine Lagarde stressed the uncertainty of the economy. At the April meeting, the interest rate cuts may be put on hold or continued, depending on economic data trends. The message was slightly more hawkish than before. - Finland stocks raised to neutral
The improved German economic prospects are also reflected in the Finnish market, which is recovering from a longer-term negative development this year. The interest rate drops in the euro area also benefit Finland with a delay, and if peace can be attained in Ukraine, foreign investment flows in Finland may increase.
Views on the diversification of investments
Read more about our views on diversification between various asset classes and within them. Are your investments diversified according to market conditions? Compare our views on the diversification of your investment portfolio.