Market Information Wednesday 17 March 2021

The approval of the voucher fund has been postponed by the European Commission, as it was submitted March 5, and details need to be clarified. The fund is set up to support the travel industry in reimbursing consumers for cancelled holidays. The delay could put travel companies in trouble, as consumers will have the option to exchange travel vouchers for cash starting this week. The total value of all travel vouchers amounts to EUR 600 million.

The number of patent applications for inventions in the Netherlands decreased by 8% in 2020, while the number of patent applications for inventions in Europe remains virtually unchanged, according to figures from the European Patent Office. One explanation for this decrease is the 8% decrease in patent applications at Philips, as the company stands head and shoulders above other patent applicants in the Dutch market every year.

Import prices have risen by 1.3% in February in the United States, after a decline of 1.4% in January, as reported by the US Department of Labour. Prices increased mainly because of higher prices for oil and commodities.

The 6M Euribor decreased with 1 basis point to -0.52% compared to previous business day. The 10Y Swap is unchanged at 0.01% compared to previous business day.

In the attachment, today’s market data on money and capital market rates as well as other rates are presented.