GBAF Logo
Global Banking & Finance Awards® 2026 Nominations open, free to enter Nominate now →
MeridianLink financial software firm announcement of $2 billion acquisition by Centerbridge - Global Banking & Finance Review
Featured image depicting the MeridianLink logo, highlighting the company's acquisition by Centerbridge Partners for $2 billion. This deal signifies a growing trend in private equity buyouts within the finance sector.
Finance

Euro zone's current account surplus widens

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on July 17, 2026

1 min read

· Last updated: July 17, 2026

Add as preferred source on Google
Finance Banking Markets

Euro Zone Current Account Surplus Jumps to €25.1 Billion in May, ECB Data Shows

ECB Data Reveals Key Changes in Euro Zone Current Account

Overview of May’s Current Account Figures

FRANKFURT, July 17 (Reuters) - The euro zone's seasonally adjusted current account surplus widened in May as a rise in primary income, which includes items like interest, profit or dividend income, offset a narrowing trade surplus, European Central Bank data showed on Friday.

Comparison with Previous Month

The 21-nation currency bloc's adjusted surplus widened to €25.1 billion in May from €17.5 billion a month earlier, while unadjusted figures showed a deficit of €6.2 billion after a surplus of €16.7 billion a month earlier.

Annual Trends and GDP Impact

In the 12 months to May, the bloc's current account surplus totalled 1.7% of GDP, below the 2.0% recorded in the preceding year.

(Reporting by Balazs Koranyi, Editing by William Maclean)

Key Takeaways

  • Seasonally adjusted current account surplus rose to €25.1 bn in May from €17.5 bn in April, aided by stronger primary income.
  • Trade balance turned less favorable: goods deficit in May versus surplus in prior periods, indicating trade headwinds.
  • Twelve‑month trailing current account surplus at 1.7% of GDP, lower than 2.0% in previous year, signaling a moderate erosion of external strength.

Frequently Asked Questions

What caused the euro zone's current account surplus to widen in May?
The euro zone's current account surplus widened in May due to a rise in primary income, including interest, profit, and dividend income, which offset a narrowing trade surplus.
How much was the euro zone's seasonally adjusted current account surplus in May?
The euro zone's seasonally adjusted current account surplus was €25.1 billion in May.
What was the euro zone's current account balance in unadjusted terms for May?
The euro zone showed an unadjusted current account deficit of €6.2 billion in May, after a surplus of €16.7 billion a month earlier.
How did the 12-month current account surplus compare with the previous year?
In the 12 months to May, the current account surplus was 1.7% of GDP, down from 2.0% in the previous year.

Tags

Related Articles

Image for Morning Bid: Chips and ships

Morning Bid: Chips and ships

Image for As life expectancy rises, talks start on a UN treaty to protect older people

As life expectancy rises, talks start on a UN treaty to protect older people

Image for UK's FTSE 100 flat as energy gains offset banks; Burnham set to become prime minister

UK's FTSE 100 flat as energy gains offset banks; Burnham set to become prime minister

Image for Airbag maker Autoliv Q2 adjusted profit in line with forecast, sees stronger Q4 margin

Airbag maker Autoliv Q2 adjusted profit in line with forecast, sees stronger Q4 margin

Image for Air China, Shenzhen Airlines order 55 Airbus jets with list price of $12.4 billion

Air China, Shenzhen Airlines order 55 Airbus jets with list price of $12.4 billion

Image for Greece says EU sanctions against Russia risk ceding LNG market share to rivals

Greece says EU sanctions against Russia risk ceding LNG market share to rivals

More from Finance

Explore more articles in the Finance category

Image for Global equity funds draw inflows for the eighth week on earnings optimism
Global equity funds draw inflows for the eighth week on earnings optimism
Image for Factbox-The EU's plan to overhaul its carbon market
Factbox-The EU's plan to overhaul its carbon market
Image for Indonesia's copyright rewrite puts Google, AI platforms on notice
Indonesia's copyright rewrite puts Google, AI platforms on notice
Image for Italy fines six companies over 2026 Winter Olympic Games 'ambush marketing'
Italy fines six companies over 2026 Winter Olympic Games 'ambush marketing'
Image for Sterling dips but on track for weekly rise as Burnham poised for power
Sterling dips but on track for weekly rise as Burnham poised for power
Image for Germany's industrial order books swell to record high in May
Germany's industrial order books swell to record high in May
Image for Iran launches fresh attacks after sixth day of US strikes
Iran launches fresh attacks after sixth day of US strikes
Image for Volkswagen workers to grill CEO on cuts at staff assemblies in August
Volkswagen workers to grill CEO on cuts at staff assemblies in August
Image for Burberry sales boosted by US, while Iran war hits European spending
Burberry sales boosted by US, while Iran war hits European spending
Image for Wars shift focus from jets to weapons at Farnborough Airshow
Wars shift focus from jets to weapons at Farnborough Airshow
Image for Danske Bank raises full-year profit outlook as Q2 beats forecast
Danske Bank raises full-year profit outlook as Q2 beats forecast
Image for Defence group Saab operating profit beats forecast
Defence group Saab operating profit beats forecast
View All Finance Posts