Figures are expected for German industrial production and for the turnover of individual German companies. Analysts are expecting industrial production to be stable and consumption to be low. But it is also a distinct disadvantage for the EMU economies. A weak euro invites higher lending rates because investors demand a premium for loans in weak currencies. The cost of loans therefore rises, and it has done noticeably in recent weeks.
Expensive loans are obviously a significant brake on economic expansion.
Hundreds of gypsies are being forced out of Kosovo every day and are being held in refugee camps. Like the Serbs who are also being driven out, they tell stories of brutality, murder and arson committed the Albanian KLA against them. Meanwhile, in the French sector in the north of Kosovo uniformed KLA soldiers walk openly in the streets, despite the demilitarisation agreement which says they may not do so, while it is commonly accepted that the idea of disarming any Albanians, let alone the KLA, is a joke. It is also clear that vicious purges and attacks are being carried out by the KLA against Albanians who do not support them. Albanians who work as postmen or in other state jobs have been murdered, while supporters of Ibrahim Rugova, the moderate and non-violent Albanian leader brushed aside by NATO and the KLA, have also been attacked.