Euro-area potential GDP will stay on low trajectory
Subject Declining potential growth trends. Significance Although the euro-area is enjoying stronger growth this year, the rebound has been modest. Real GDP growth should average 1.5-1.7% in 2015, disappointing hopes for growth closer to 2.0%. This is adding to concern about the impact of persistent investment weakness, which curbs potential growth. Over 2010-14, the US economy grew by 2.2% on average, the same as during the five years preceding the financial crisis (2004-08), although both periods are mediocre compared to the long-run average of 3.0% for the 15 years prior to 2009. The euro-area's double-dip recession depressed its 2010-14 average growth to 0.7% compared with a rate of 2.2% for both 2004-08 and the 15 years prior to 2009. Impacts Chronic lack of job opportunities can lead to a permanent loss in productive capacity, damaging consumer confidence and spending. Policymakers will need to promote investment and job creation, lowering the cost of capital and reforming labour markets. These reforms could stir political instability by fuelling social resentment and political populism.