Invest ideasNews
20 Apr 2026, 21:00
Stablecoins Don’t Meet Core Requirements Of Money, BIS Says
The BIS General Manager has said that existing stablecoins fall short of the requirements for a widely accepted and used payment instrument. Stablecoins Remain A “Niche” Payment Instrument Pablo Hernández de Cos, General Manager at the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) , spoke on the topic of stablecoins at a Bank of Japan seminar in Tokyo on Monday. The BIS is an international financial institution that serves as a bank for central banks. It’s owned by constituent central banks, of which there are 63 in total at the moment. The institution has been vocal about its concerns regarding stablecoins in the past. Stablecoins are cryptocurrencies that have their price tied to a fiat currency. In recent years, these tokens have gained popularity, inviting regulation from major economic hubs. Since stables run on blockchain technology, they naturally offer relatively cheap 24/7 transactions. This has made their main use, besides being a store of value, as a mode of payments. Stablecoins try to mimic fiat currencies, but do they count as “money”? de Cos has discussed the two features that decide the “moneyness” of an instrument: singleness and interoperability. First, singleness is the idea that different forms of money should be perfectly substitutable at par across financial intermediaries and platforms. In fiat economics, this is facilitated by central banks. For the decentralized stablecoins, there is no such central settlement so deviations can emerge. Though, these differences tend to be relatively modest. “Yet confidence shocks can widen discounts abruptly and, when they do, users may refuse to accept certain stablecoins, as seen on several occasions in the past,” said de Cos. The other property, interoperability, means that users can send and receive funds seamlessly across platforms and networks. Today, stablecoins are distributed across a wide range of blockchains, so even versions of the same token that run on different blockchains aren’t interoperable by default. The BIS General Manager explained: Together, these features undermine the network effects that are key to money – the use of money begets its acceptance, and acceptance begets wider use. It is therefore conceivable that under current designs stablecoins remain a “niche” instrument. While current stablecoin systems may fall short of the requirements of a widely accepted payment instrument, de Cos noted that they have the potential to significantly enhance cross-border payments. But the opportunities provided by fiat-tied cryptocurrencies don’t come without challenges; the BIS head cautioned that these assets can affect credit supply, financial stability, and monetary and fiscal policy. The wider digital asset sector has faced bearish winds since Q4 2025, but the stablecoin market has managed to hold up relatively well as its market cap has seen a slight uptrend in this period, according to data from DefiLlama . Currently, the fiat-pegged coins have a combined valuation of over $320 billion, which is a new all-time high. Bitcoin Price At the time of writing, Bitcoin is trading around $75,000, up more than 6% over the past week.
20 Apr 2026, 20:50
EUR/USD Forecast: Critical Analysis Reveals Limited Upside as Dollar Risks Intensify
BitcoinWorld EUR/USD Forecast: Critical Analysis Reveals Limited Upside as Dollar Risks Intensify FRANKFURT, March 2025 – The EUR/USD currency pair faces significant headwinds despite recent fluctuations, with Commerzbank analysts highlighting constrained upward potential amid mounting longer-term risks for the US Dollar. This analysis emerges during a period of heightened global monetary policy divergence and shifting economic fundamentals. EUR/USD Technical and Fundamental Landscape Market participants currently observe the EUR/USD trading within a defined range. Technical charts reveal key resistance levels that have repeatedly capped rallies throughout the first quarter of 2025. Consequently, each upward move meets substantial selling pressure. Fundamentally, the European Central Bank maintains a cautious stance on interest rates. Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve navigates a complex inflation and growth environment. This policy divergence creates a volatile backdrop for the major currency pair. Historical data shows the pair often reacts to US economic data releases. For instance, strong non-farm payrolls or CPI figures typically bolster the Dollar temporarily. However, structural factors now exert greater influence. Analysts point to shifting global trade patterns and reserve diversification trends. These elements contribute to the evolving risk profile for the US currency over a multi-year horizon. Commerzbank’s Analytical Perspective on Dollar Vulnerabilities Commerzbank’s currency research team, led by senior strategists, provides a detailed assessment. Their report identifies several specific longer-term Dollar risks that could eventually impact the EUR/USD cross. Firstly, concerns persist regarding the sustainability of US fiscal deficits. Large deficit spending necessitates continued Treasury issuance, potentially affecting foreign demand for US assets. Secondly, geopolitical developments encourage some nations to reduce Dollar dependency in international trade. This gradual shift, while slow, represents a secular trend. Thirdly, relative growth dynamics between the US and Eurozone may converge. The US economy currently shows resilience, but Eurozone recovery prospects are improving. This convergence could reduce the Dollar’s yield advantage. Interpreting the “Limited Upside” Thesis The phrase “limited upside” requires precise understanding. It does not predict an immediate EUR/USD collapse. Instead, it suggests the path for significant Euro appreciation against the Dollar remains obstructed in the near term. Several immediate factors support this view. The Federal Reserve’s communication remains focused on data dependency. Market expectations for rate cuts have been pushed further into the future. This delay supports shorter-term Dollar strength. Additionally, safe-haven flows during periods of market uncertainty often benefit the US Dollar. Recent volatility in equity markets demonstrated this dynamic. The Euro, while a major currency, does not always attract the same flight-to-quality bids. Therefore, near-term catalysts for a sustained Euro breakout appear limited without a decisive shift in central bank rhetoric or a sharp deterioration in US economic data. Comparative Analysis of Monetary Policy Paths The trajectory of central bank policy remains the primary driver for EUR/USD. The table below summarizes the current stance and projected paths for the ECB and Fed, based on recent official communications and market pricing. Central Bank Current Policy Stance Market Expectation (Next 6 Months) Key Risk Factor European Central Bank (ECB) Holding rates, monitoring wage growth Potential 25-50 bps cut if inflation confirms decline Lagging economic recovery in periphery nations Federal Reserve (Fed) Higher-for-longer, awaiting confidence on inflation Rate cuts delayed until late 2025 Sticky services inflation and labor market tightness This policy divergence creates a yield differential that currently favors holding Dollars over Euros. However, the “longer-term risks” cited by Commerzbank refer to factors beyond the interest rate cycle. These include: Structural Deficits: The US government’s budget deficit remains elevated as a percentage of GDP. External Position: The US runs a persistent current account deficit, requiring constant foreign capital inflows. Reserve Currency Status: While dominant, incremental diversification away from the Dollar in global reserves is measurable. Market Impact and Trader Positioning Futures market data from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) shows speculators have recently reduced extreme long Dollar positions. This adjustment suggests some market participants are beginning to price in a less favorable long-term outlook. However, net positioning still favors the US currency. The immediate market impact of this analysis is likely to be contained. Most traders focus on shorter-term horizons driven by economic data and central bank meetings. For institutional investors with multi-year portfolios, however, the identification of longer-term Dollar risks informs strategic asset allocation. It may lead to gradual hedging of Dollar exposure or incremental increases in Euro-denominated assets. This process is slow and does not produce dramatic price moves. Nevertheless, it establishes a underlying flow that can cap the Dollar’s strength over extended periods. Real-World Context: Historical Parallels and Differences Examining history provides useful context. Periods of concern over US fiscal trajectories, such as the early 2010s debt ceiling debates, saw Dollar volatility but no lasting de-throning. The Dollar’s unique role in the global financial system provides immense structural support. Today’s environment differs due to the scale of post-pandemic fiscal expansion and the active exploration of alternative payment systems by some nations. The rise of digital currency initiatives, both central bank and private, also introduces a new variable. While not an immediate threat, these innovations could gradually erode the transactional dominance of the Dollar over decades. Commerzbank’s analysis incorporates these evolving technological and geopolitical trends, framing them as growing, rather than immediate, risks. Conclusion The EUR/USD outlook presents a nuanced picture. Near-term factors, particularly monetary policy divergence, limit the pair’s upside potential, confirming Commerzbank’s core thesis. Simultaneously, identifiable longer-term vulnerabilities for the US Dollar suggest the ceiling for Dollar strength may be lowering. The path forward for the EUR/USD will likely involve continued range-bound trading, punctuated by volatility around data releases, until a clearer signal emerges on the Fed’s policy pivot or until the longer-term structural risks begin to materially influence capital flows. For market participants, this environment demands a focus on risk management and a balanced assessment of both cyclical and secular trends. FAQs Q1: What does “limited upside” mean for the EUR/USD? It means analysts see significant resistance levels preventing a major, sustained rally in the Euro against the Dollar in the near future, though a collapse is not necessarily predicted. Q2: What are the main longer-term risks for the US Dollar? The primary risks include concerns over large US fiscal deficits, gradual geopolitical shifts encouraging reduced Dollar use in trade, and potential convergence in economic growth with other major economies like the Eurozone. Q3: How does Federal Reserve policy currently affect the EUR/USD? The Fed’s “higher-for-longer” interest rate stance, compared to a more dovish ECB, creates a yield advantage that supports the Dollar, thereby limiting EUR/USD upside in the short term. Q4: Is the Euro considered a safe-haven currency like the Dollar? While the Euro is a major global currency, it generally does not attract the same intensity of safe-haven flows during global market stress as the US Dollar, which can limit its rally potential during risk-off periods. Q5: Should traders change their strategy based on this analysis? This analysis suggests a strategy favoring range-bound trading for the EUR/USD in the near term, with an awareness that longer-term structural trends may slowly erode the Dollar’s dominance, favoring a balanced rather than overly directional approach. This post EUR/USD Forecast: Critical Analysis Reveals Limited Upside as Dollar Risks Intensify first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
20 Apr 2026, 20:45
Silver Price Forecast: XAG/USD Plummets to $79.30 Amid Iran’s Critical Hormuz Closure
BitcoinWorld Silver Price Forecast: XAG/USD Plummets to $79.30 Amid Iran’s Critical Hormuz Closure LONDON, April 2025 – The silver price forecast turned sharply bearish today as the XAG/USD pair declined to near $79.30 per ounce. This significant drop follows confirmed reports that Iran has once again closed the strategic Strait of Hormuz to commercial maritime traffic. Consequently, global markets are reacting to the heightened geopolitical risk. Furthermore, analysts are reassessing safe-haven asset flows amidst the new crisis. Silver Price Forecast and Immediate Geopolitical Shock The immediate 3.2% decline in the silver price reflects a complex market calculus. Typically, precious metals like silver gain during geopolitical turmoil as investors seek safe havens. However, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz presents a unique dual-pressure scenario. Firstly, it threatens immediate global oil supply shocks, potentially spurring inflationary fears. Secondly, it triggers a flight to the ultimate safe haven, the US Dollar, which weighs on dollar-denominated commodities like XAG/USD . Market data from the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) shows spot silver trading at $79.42, down from an opening near $82.10. The sell-off accelerated following official statements from the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps. They cited “naval exercises and regional security” as the reason for the closure. This action effectively blocks the transit corridor for approximately 21 million barrels of oil per day, or one-fifth of global seaborne oil trade. The Strait of Hormuz as a Global Economic Chokepoint Understanding the silver price forecast requires context on the Strait’s role. This narrow waterway between Oman and Iran is arguably the world’s most important oil transit lane. Historically, threats to its openness have caused immediate volatility across all asset classes. For instance, past incidents in 2019 and 2021 led to brief oil price spikes exceeding 15%. However, the current closure appears more deliberate and sustained. The table below outlines key historical closures and their market impact: Year Duration Oil Price Impact Silver (XAG) Reaction 2019 ~72 hours +12% Initial spike, then decline 2021 ~48 hours +8% Sideways movement 2025 (Current) Ongoing +18% (Futures) -3.2% (to $79.30) This pattern shows that while oil reacts directly, silver’s response is filtered through currency and broader risk sentiment. The current decline suggests markets are pricing in a stronger dollar and potential demand destruction from an oil-induced economic slowdown. Expert Analysis on Precious Metals Dynamics Dr. Anya Sharma, Head of Commodities Research at Global Markets Insight, provided analysis. “The silver price forecast is being torn between two forces,” she stated. “The inflationary pressure from soaring energy costs is a classic bullish driver for silver as a real asset. Conversely, the defensive rush into US Treasuries and the dollar creates intense downward pressure on the XAG/USD pair. Currently, the dollar-strength narrative is dominating.” This view is supported by real-time bond market flows. Yields on 10-year US Treasury notes have fallen 25 basis points today. This indicates significant capital moving into US government debt. Such moves invariably strengthen the dollar index (DXY), which has risen 1.8% today. Therefore, the negative correlation between DXY and silver is playing out decisively. Broader Market Impacts and Historical Precedents The closure’s ripple effects extend beyond precious metals. Global shipping insurance premiums for the region have skyrocketed. Additionally, major oil companies are initiating force majeure clauses on contracts. The potential for a prolonged disruption is forcing a recalibration of growth forecasts. Central banks, in turn, may face a renewed “stagflation” dilemma—slowing growth coupled with rising prices. Key immediate impacts include: Oil Price Spike: Brent crude futures surged past $130 per barrel. Supply Chain Anxiety: Renewed fears for global logistics and manufacturing costs. Alternative Route Scramble: Increased traffic and costs for longer routes via the Cape of Good Hope. Equity Market Volatility: Energy sector gains are offset by losses in transportation and consumer discretionary stocks. For silver, its industrial demand profile—which constitutes over 50% of its consumption—adds another layer. A potential manufacturing slowdown could dampen physical demand. This contrasts with gold, which is more purely financial. This industrial linkage makes the silver price forecast particularly sensitive to recessionary fears. Technical Analysis and Key Price Levels for XAG/USD From a chart perspective, the break below the key psychological support of $80.00 is technically significant. The move places XAG/USD at its lowest level in six weeks. Moreover, it breaches the 100-day simple moving average, a level watched closely by algorithmic traders. The next major support zone lies between $78.00 and $78.50, which was a consolidation area in February 2025. Volume analysis shows the decline was accompanied by high trading volume, confirming the bearish sentiment. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) has entered oversold territory below 30. This could suggest a potential for a short-term technical rebound. However, any recovery will likely be capped by the new resistance level formed around $80.50. The overall chart structure has shifted from neutral to bearish in the short term. Conclusion The silver price forecast remains tightly coupled to the evolving situation in the Strait of Hormuz. The decline of XAG/USD to near $79.30 underscores the powerful influence of dollar strength and growth concerns over traditional safe-haven flows. While the long-term fundamentals for silver, including green energy demand, remain intact, the immediate path is dominated by geopolitics. Market participants will monitor diplomatic channels closely. The duration of the Strait’s closure will be the primary factor determining whether silver resumes its role as an inflation hedge or remains subdued by a dominant US dollar. The current silver price action is a clear reminder that in interconnected global markets, even traditional relationships can be inverted by a crisis of sufficient magnitude. FAQs Q1: Why did the silver price fall if there is a geopolitical crisis? Typically, silver rises as a safe haven. However, this crisis triggered a massive flight to the US dollar and Treasury bonds. Since silver (XAG/USD) is priced in dollars, a stronger dollar makes it more expensive for holders of other currencies, reducing demand and pushing the price down. Q2: What is the Strait of Hormuz and why is it so important? The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow sea passage between Oman and Iran. It is the world’s most critical oil transit chokepoint, with about 21 million barrels of oil passing through daily. A closure threatens global energy supplies, inflation, and economic growth. Q3: How does a rise in oil prices affect silver? Higher oil prices can increase inflation expectations, which is often positive for precious metals like silver as they are seen as stores of value. However, if the oil spike is severe enough to risk causing an economic recession, it can hurt silver’s industrial demand and overall sentiment, creating a negative effect. Q4: What are the key support levels for XAG/USD after this drop? Following the break below $80.00, the next major technical support zone is between $78.00 and $78.50 per ounce. A break below that could see the price test the $76.00 level. Q5: Has Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz before? Yes, Iran has threatened or partially disrupted traffic several times in recent decades, most notably in 2019 and 2021. These events typically caused short-term oil price spikes and market volatility, but full, prolonged closures have been rare due to the severe global economic consequences. This post Silver Price Forecast: XAG/USD Plummets to $79.30 Amid Iran’s Critical Hormuz Closure first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
20 Apr 2026, 20:40
EUR/GBP Surges Past 0.8700 as Starmer’s Leadership Faces Intense Scrutiny
BitcoinWorld EUR/GBP Surges Past 0.8700 as Starmer’s Leadership Faces Intense Scrutiny LONDON, UK – The EUR/GBP currency pair decisively broke above the psychologically significant 0.8700 level in European trading today, a move forex analysts directly attribute to mounting political uncertainty surrounding UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government. This pivotal shift reflects deeper concerns about UK economic policy direction and its immediate impact on sterling’s valuation. EUR/GBP Technical Breakout and Market Reaction The euro’s ascent against the British pound represents its strongest position in several weeks. Market data shows sustained buying pressure on the cross throughout the session. Consequently, traders pushed the pair to a daily high of 0.8725. This movement signals a clear bearish sentiment for sterling in the near term. Typically, such a breakout triggers follow-through technical buying. The 0.8700 level had acted as a firm resistance barrier for the prior five trading sessions. Its breach now opens a path toward the next resistance zone near 0.8750. Several key factors are driving this forex market dynamic: Political Headline Risk: New questions about domestic policy cohesion are undermining investor confidence. Interest Rate Expectations: Markets are reassessing the Bank of England’s potential timeline for monetary easing. Relative Economic Strength: Recent Eurozone data has shown unexpected resilience compared to UK indicators. Political Pressure on Prime Minister Keir Starmer Prime Minister Starmer’s administration faces intensified scrutiny over its economic strategy. Recent parliamentary debates have highlighted divisions on fiscal policy. Furthermore, upcoming by-elections are seen as a critical test of public mandate. This political environment creates uncertainty, which currency markets notoriously punish. A stable government platform typically supports a stronger currency. Conversely, perceived instability prompts capital flows toward perceived safer assets. Historical data illustrates this relationship clearly. The table below shows notable GBP weakness periods aligned with political uncertainty: Period Political Event EUR/GBP Move Q2 2016 EU Referendum Announcement +5.2% Q4 2022 Mini-Budget Crisis +7.8% Current Starmer Policy Scrutiny +2.1% (YTD) Expert Analysis on Policy Credibility Financial institutions are closely monitoring the government’s commitment to its stated fiscal rules. Dr. Anya Sharma, Chief Economist at Global Macro Advisors, notes the market’s sensitivity. “Currency valuations are ultimately a verdict on policy credibility,” Sharma states. “The current price action suggests traders are pricing in a higher risk premium for sterling. This premium reflects doubts about the execution of long-term economic plans.” This expert perspective underscores the link between political perception and financial market pricing. Market participants now demand clearer signals of policy stability. Broader Economic Context and Euro Strength The euro’s performance is not solely a story of pound weakness. Recent Eurozone inflation and growth data have surprised to the upside. This resilience has led markets to delay expectations for European Central Bank rate cuts. Meanwhile, UK economic indicators have presented a mixed picture. Slower-than-expected GDP growth last quarter has heightened concerns. Therefore, the EUR/GBP move represents a dual-currency dynamic. Analysts refer to this as a ‘push-pull’ effect on the exchange rate. Key comparative economic metrics include: Inflation Trajectory: Eurozone CPI is converging toward target faster than UK CPI. Manufacturing PMI: Eurozone surveys show tentative recovery while UK remains in contraction. Consumer Confidence: Both regions show fragility, but UK sentiment has dipped more sharply. Market Implications and Trader Positioning The breakout above 0.8700 has significant implications for institutional positioning. Data from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) shows that speculative net-short positions on the pound have increased. This data confirms the bearish sentiment shift. Hedge funds and asset managers are adjusting their currency exposure accordingly. Many are reducing sterling holdings in international portfolios. This activity creates a self-reinforcing cycle of selling pressure. The Bank of England’s Dilemma Monetary policy adds another layer of complexity. The Bank of England must balance inflation control with supporting economic growth. A weaker pound complicates this task by making imports more expensive. However, it also provides a boost to export competitiveness. Governor Andrew Bailey and the Monetary Policy Committee face a challenging communication task. Their next statements will be scrutinized for any concern over currency volatility. Historically, the BoE rarely intervenes directly in forex markets. Instead, it uses interest rate signals to guide currency valuation. Conclusion The EUR/GBP exchange rate breaking above 0.8700 marks a significant moment for currency markets. It directly reflects growing unease about UK political stability under Prime Minister Keir Starmer. This forex movement combines domestic political uncertainty with shifting comparative economic fundamentals. The path forward for the cross depends heavily on clear policy communication from Downing Street and resilient UK economic data. Market participants will now watch for a sustained hold above this technical level. The EUR/GBP pair therefore serves as a real-time barometer of political and economic confidence in the UK. FAQs Q1: What does EUR/GBP above 0.8700 mean for the economy? It generally indicates a weaker pound, making imports more expensive for the UK but potentially boosting exports. It reflects market concerns about UK economic prospects relative to the Eurozone. Q2: How does political uncertainty specifically affect a currency like the pound? Political uncertainty increases the ‘risk premium’ investors demand to hold assets denominated in that currency. It can lead to capital outflows, reduced foreign investment, and selling pressure in forex markets. Q3: Are other factors besides UK politics influencing EUR/GBP? Yes. Relative interest rate expectations, economic growth data from both regions, global risk sentiment, and energy market dynamics all simultaneously influence the exchange rate. Q4: What level is considered key resistance for EUR/GBP after 0.8700? Technical analysts often view the 0.8750 and 0.8800 levels as the next significant resistance zones where selling pressure might re-emerge. Q5: How can traders or businesses hedge against this kind of currency volatility? Common methods include using forward contracts to lock in an exchange rate for future transactions, purchasing currency options for protection, or diversifying currency exposure within financial portfolios. This post EUR/GBP Surges Past 0.8700 as Starmer’s Leadership Faces Intense Scrutiny first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
20 Apr 2026, 20:30
Bitcoin Rebounds Strongly — Can Bulls Drive Price Toward $79,000
Bitcoin is showing renewed strength after a sharp rebound, signaling that buyers are stepping back in at key levels. With momentum building and price pushing higher, attention is now shifting toward the $79,000 resistance zone, where a breakout could confirm continued upside and open the door for a stronger rally. Selling Pressure After Initial Reaction Bitcoin saw an immediate response to yesterday’s developments, facing notable selling pressure as the market processed the news. Analyst Kamile Uray highlights that while the initial reaction was bearish, the possibility for a continued rally remains on the table, provided the immediate low of $73,371 is successfully defended. Related Reading: Bitcoin Price Gives Back Gains, But Structure Remains Bullish However, a 4-hour candle close below this mark would likely trigger a deeper correction toward the $68,720 level, which represents the critical 0.618 Fibonacci retracement of the most recent upward wave. Holding this support provides the foundation for a fresh leg up. On the bullish side, a decisive close above $79,000 would signal a continuation of the broader uptrend toward much higher targets. Uray identifies a major resistance cluster between $98,000 and $107,000–$109,000. Should the price face a rejection at these elevated levels, traders should expect a return to the previous support zones, ranging from $73,371 to the $66,000 region. Examining the daily timeframe, the $65,666 level serves as a pivot point. As long as Bitcoin maintains its position above this threshold, the overall structure remains skewed toward a potential rise. A failure to hold the $65,666 level would shift the focus to lower support levels at $63,823, $62,433, and $60,000. The most critical warning comes at the $60,000 mark; a daily close below this psychological and technical barrier would likely extend the corrective phase significantly. Bitcoin Bounces Strongly As Week Kicks Off In his most recent update, analyst Michaël van de Poppe noted a relatively strong upward bounce for Bitcoin on Monday. This movement is particularly significant as it occurs during a period where markets typically trend toward a risk-off stance ahead of the weekly opening. The ability of Bitcoin to push higher against this cautious backdrop suggests underlying strength in current demand. Related Reading: Bitcoin Breakout Confirmed, But Is It Real Or A Bull Trap? A key factor in this analysis is the recent decoupling from traditional safe-haven assets. While Bitcoin has shown resilience and upward momentum, gold has trended downward. Looking at the weekly outlook, the presence of a price gap at the $77,300 level remains a primary focal point for traders. Given the strength of the recent bounce and the existing technical vacuum toward that higher level, Bitcoin is expected to fill this gap and achieve new highs before the current week concludes. Featured image from Pixabay, chart from Tradingview.com
20 Apr 2026, 20:30
Europe’s EV sales rose 29.4% in the first quarter of 2026
Europe’s EV market jumped in the first quarter of 2026 as soaring fuel costs pushed drivers away from combustion cars. New battery-electric vehicle registrations across 15 European markets rose 29.4% to almost 560,000, E-Mobility Europe and New Automotive said Monday. March alone delivered more than 240,000 registrations, up 51.3% year on year. Those 15 markets made up 94% of all battery-electric sales last year across the European Union and the European Free Trade Association, where countries follow EU carbon emissions rules, according to ACEA data. The two groups said the quarter’s registrations were enough to cut oil use by 2 million barrels a year. Chris Heron, secretary general of E-Mobility Europe, said, “March’s surge in electric car sales is one of Europe’s biggest recent gains in energy security, in a month when oil dependence has become a real vulnerability.” The same statement said Germany, France, Spain, Italy, and Poland all posted more than 40% growth in battery-electric sales so far this year, while 21.2% of all new cars registered across the EU and EFTA in March were electric. Drivers dump petrol cars as Europe’s biggest EV markets accelerate A separate New Automotive report added detail from Britain, Europe’s second-largest battery-electric market after Germany. It said British battery-electric registrations rose 12.8% in the quarter and made up 22.5% of all new car sales. Rising petrol prices were named there. The IEA said global electricity demand grew 3% in 2025, slower than 4.4% in 2024, but still above the 2.8% average from 2014 to 2024. It also grew at more than twice the pace of total global energy demand, which was 1.3% in 2025. IEA said: “In 2025, emerging market and developing economies accounted for 80% of global electricity demand growth. China’s share of the increase in global demand was 58%, higher than in 2024, when it stood at 52%, but lower than the 62% average observed over the previous decade. China’s net electricity demand surpassed 9 500 TWh in 2025, up by 5.1%, but slower than the growth of 6.6% in 2023 and 7.0% in 2024.” IEA says electric transport, buildings, and data centers are jacking up global power demand Meanwhile, China’s industrial electricity demand slowed to 3.7% from 6.0% in 2023 and 5.1% in 2024 because of trade barriers, weaker domestic consumption, and economic strain. In India, after four straight years of growth above 6%, electricity demand rose only 1.4% in 2025. The first four months had pointed to 5.8% growth, but an early monsoon brought cooler weather and heavier rain, cutting demand for air conditioning and water pumping. India’s cooling degree days were about 10% lower than in 2024, while Southeast Asia saw demand rise about 3% in 2025, down from 8.6% in 2024 and below the 2010s decade’s 6% average, though the IEA expects growth there and in India to pick up again. The Middle East recorded nearly 4% growth in 2025, slightly above 2024’s, and the United States posted 2% growth, which is below 2.8% in 2024 but more than triple its decade average, with buildings making up 80% of that rise, and data centers alone drove around half of the increase. IEA said : “A cold winter, with a nearly 10% increase in heating degree days, also supported power demand in 2025 by boosting space heating needs.” In the EU, electricity demand rose 1% after 1.6% growth in 2024. Advanced economies made up 20% of global electricity demand growth in 2025, up from 17% in 2024 and above the roughly 5% average of the previous decade. Globally, buildings made up nearly 45% of the annual increase, transport contributed over 10%, and data center use climbed about 17%, or roughly 70 TWh, out of a total global rise of around 800 TWh. Still letting the bank keep the best part? Watch our free video on being your own bank .
