Latest News
Solid and stable interim result
27-8-2010 | Economic news
Rabobank Group has announced a net profit of nearly EUR 1.7 billion for the first six months of 2010, up 26% on the same time last year. “This performance proves the resilience of our cooperative business model in turbulent times,” said Chairman of the Executive Board Piet Moerland. “We owe this solid half-year result to the trust of our clients, our stable market share and our robust capital position.”
Dutch Housing Market Quarterly August 2010
26-8-2010 | Economic news
The Dutch market for existing homes is currently under heavy weather. A lack of confidence among house buyers has sapped momentum from the market. Transaction numbers continue to lag below pre-crisis levels. However, the decline in the number of sales has been halted. Rabobank envisages a slow recovery of the market.
Farmer confidence still rising in New Zealand
16-8-2010 | Food and Agribusiness news
The latest quarterly Rabobank Rural Confidence survey in New Zealand shows farmer confidence increasing for the fourth consecutive quarter. Rabobank General Manager New Zealand Ben Russell says optimism rose across all sectors, but particularly amongst dairy farmers. Rising commodity prices and improved overseas markets were the main drivers of confidence, although the survey was taken just prior to the most recent fall in global dairy prices.
Small flaws, big consequences
12-8-2010 | Economic news
Rabobank Chief Economist Dr Wim Boonstra believes that the world economy would benefit from multiple equal currencies competing with each other. He argues that flaws in the design of the EMU have serious consequences not only for Europe, but for the entire world economy.
Economic Research: Western Europe August update
10-8-2010 | Economic news
The big eurozone economies all displayed strong to very strong second quarter economic performance. Official GDP figures to be published on 13 August will probably report growth across the board. But the growth is not yet sustainable. So far it has been supported primarily by net trade. Signs of households and firms starting to spend remain mixed. Austerity plans remain key to confidence and recovery going forward.
High wheat prices are not a one-off
6-8-2010 | Food and Agribusiness news
Wheat prices will remain high for the next ten years, says Rabobank’s Director of Commodities Dirk Jan Kennes. The current price peak is not only down to the Russian drought, it signals a structural change in the market. The U.S. could offer short-term solutions. But long-term the food industry must improve efficiency, or charge consumers more for bread, beer, and meat.
