Allianz Research

Allianz Global Wealth Report 2024:
Surprising relief

Missing chips cost EUR100bn to the European auto sector

The automotive industry has been the number one casualty of the global semiconductor crunch: We estimate that it led to a shortfall of about 18mn vehicles around the world. Europe’s automotive sector has been hit the hardest, and its weak semiconductor sector did not help. We estimate that the semiconductor crunch will cost Europe about EUR100bn over 2021 and 2022. 

Italy’s elections: Snapping back?

Rising political risks have exacerbated an already challenging economic outlook for Italy: Ahead of the snap elections on 25 September, a right-wing coalition comprising the Brothers of Italy, Lega and Forza Italia is currently leading the polls and is likely to secure the parliamentary majority. 

Double trouble? Inflation means less cash and more debt for companies

Despite exceeding 2019 levels by 30% in Europe and 50% in the US as of Q2 2022, cash buffers are decreasing as most firms in both the US and Europe have been burning cash in 2022. Countries, sectors and firms now face different challenges. The energy crisis could be a major blow in Europe for energy-intensive sectors (Power, Paper, Metals, Railways, Chemicals etc.) while the strong dollar could harm exporting sectors in the US.