Sign in

Olaf Storbeck

@olafstorbeck.ft.com
10K followers 382 following 362 posts

Financial Times Frankfurt Bureau Chief. All Things ECB and European Macro. Previously: Reuters Breakingviews & Handelsblatt. Long distance cyclist. Car free since 2009. Views mine, not the FT's. (The FT's ones here: www.ft.com/ft-view)

PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by Olaf Storbeck
David Firn @davidfirn.bsky.social · 21/03/2026
This is fine gif
Iran’s ballistic missile ranges - which include Londondon if they can reach Diego Garcia
1215637
Olaf Storbeck @olafstorbeck.ft.com · 02/01/2026
European Central Bank president Christine Lagarde’s full pay is more than 50 per cent higher than her disclosed salary, according to a Financial Times analysis. www.ft.com/content/c7cd...
ft.com
Christine Lagarde’s pay is 50% higher than disclosed by ECB
Europe’s top central banker earns almost four times more than Fed chair Jay Powell, FT analysis shows
0153
Olaf Storbeck @olafstorbeck.ft.com · 12/11/2025
Over the past few weeks, Sebastien Ash, Florian Müller and I took a deep dive into the demise of German manufacturing. The situation appears so bleak that it really blows my mind. www.ft.com/content/239e...
ft.com
Can anything halt the decline of German industry?
Europe’s manufacturing champion is in free fall. Economists are suggesting radical steps to save what is left
32611
Olaf Storbeck @olafstorbeck.ft.com · 11/11/2025
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has been accused by economists of channelling billions of euros of new debt intended for defence and infrastructure investments to fund a higher welfare budget and other ongoing expenditures. on.ft.com/4qUndnM
on.ft.com
Merz accused of using debt bazooka for welfare and tax cuts instead of investment
Two prominent institutes and the Bundesbank sound alarm over use of new borrowings
0155
Olaf Storbeck @olafstorbeck.ft.com · 10/11/2025
The ECB will soon fire the starting gun on a sweeping reshuffle of its top ranks — a contest that will ultimately decide who succeeds its president Christine Lagarde. Klaas Knot, Joachim Nagel and Pablo Hernández de Cos are among the contenders. on.ft.com/3JoMCFC
on.ft.com
ECB to kick off race for top roles as Lagarde era enters final stretch
Four of six jobs on central bank’s executive board become vacant before end of 2027, including the presidency
1233
Olaf Storbeck @olafstorbeck.ft.com · 25/10/2025
FFS www.spiegel.de/auto/rrx-zwi...
spiegel.de
RRX zwischen Aachen und Dortmund: National Express streicht am Wochenende alle RE4-Fahrten
Zwischen dem Bahnunternehmen und den Aufgabenträgern in Nordrhein-Westfalen soll es Ärger geben. Der Betreiber der RRX-Züge lässt sämtliche Fahrten auf der wichtigen RE4-Verbindung am Samstag und Sonn...
040
Olaf Storbeck @olafstorbeck.ft.com · 25/10/2025
Rarely seen such a powerful @financialtimes.com reader‘s comment. I went off the sauce more than 1.5 years ago and my only regret is not having done it much earlier. My general wellbeing — including my mental health — improved beyond description. on.ft.com/3L7IoCy
0250
Olaf Storbeck @olafstorbeck.ft.com · 24/10/2025
Can Porsche be saved? Once one of the most reliable sources of profits for Volkswagen, it has plunged into its deepest crisis in three decades. Sebastien Ash & Kana Inagaki take stock - they even talked the the new CEO (when he still was at McLaren.) www.ft.com/content/a0c3...
ft.com
Porsche hits reverse on EV push as new CEO shifts back to petrol
Luxury-car maker U-turns on strategy after China weakness, US tariffs and disappointing uptake of battery vehicles
270
Olaf Storbeck @olafstorbeck.ft.com · 23/10/2025
Crazy days... who would have thought that there would be a day when I mention Tuffi, the circus elephant who famously jumped out of Wuppertal's suspension monorail in 1950 when a PR stunt went wrong, and roman emperor Nero in the very same FT article? www.ft.com/content/0400...
ft.com
Germany shelves commemorative coins over surging silver price
Value of precious metal exceeds face value of €20 and €25 collectibles
3359
Reposted by Olaf Storbeck
Financial Times @financialtimes.com · 21/10/2025
German banks push private equity funds to retail investors on.ft.com/4qgUYjb
on.ft.com
German banks push private equity funds to retail investors
Lenders from Deutsche Bank to Trade Republic are trying to woo customers to the asset class
0152
Olaf Storbeck @olafstorbeck.ft.com · 20/10/2025
This post on the ECB's blong about the science behind this year's Economic Nobel laureates, is rather good: www.ecb.europa.eu/press/blog/d...
072
Olaf Storbeck @olafstorbeck.ft.com · 20/10/2025
Rapha is in crisis mode with plunging sales and big losses - how Fran Millar, the fourth CEO in three years, wants to fix the cycling fashion brand. www.ft.com/content/8b55...
090
Olaf Storbeck @olafstorbeck.ft.com · 08/10/2025
Industrieproduktion ist im August auf Niveau von 2005 eingebrochen - und 20% unter dem Peak von 2017. Die Autoproduktion liegt derzeit auf dem Niveau von 2000 und ist 60 Prozent unter dem Allzeit-Hoch. www.ft.com/content/745f...
192
Olaf Storbeck @olafstorbeck.ft.com · 22/09/2025
Vielleicht erklärt dem SPIEGEL jmd bei Gelegenheit den Unterschied zwischen RAUB und DIEBSTAHL?
050
Reposted by Olaf Storbeck
Valentina Pop @valpop.bsky.social · 21/09/2025
on.ft.com/4gwD4US In charts: Can Germany afford its €1.35tn welfare state? @chassnews.bsky.social @olafstorbeck.ft.com
on.ft.com
In charts: Can Germany afford its €1.35tn welfare state?
[FREE TO READ] Chancellor Friedrich Merz wants benefit cuts, but his coalition partners are pushing back
122
Olaf Storbeck @olafstorbeck.ft.com · 21/09/2025
Dating back to the days of Otto von Bismarck, German’s welfare spending is at all time high. It’s not v good at fighting poverty and set to become even more €€€. Joint work with @chassnews.bsky.social and @claradoodle.bsky.social on.ft.com/4mqdq5G
on.ft.com
In charts: Can Germany afford its €1.35tn welfare state?
Chancellor Friedrich Merz wants benefit cuts, but his coalition partners are pushing back
5173
Olaf Storbeck @olafstorbeck.ft.com · 19/09/2025
Die @stadtffm.bsky.social hat es heute auf die Titelseite der @financialtimes.com geschafft - weil sie ihr Versprechen bricht, der European School Frankfurt einen neuen Standort zu besorgen. Dort bezahlt die EZB jetzt neue Container. Christine Lagarde: "Das ist peinlich!"
273
Olaf Storbeck @olafstorbeck.ft.com · 18/09/2025
A decade after rescuing Greece from default, the ECB has launched a very different bailout in its own backyard: It has provided €6.9mn of funding to Frankfurt’s oversubscribed European School after the City of Frankfurt failed to deliver on promises to find a new site. www.ft.com/content/4a8c...
ft.com
ECB’s unlikely €6.9mn school bailout funds classrooms in containers
Central bank provides emergency help to oversubscribed Frankfurt European school after plan for new premises fails
0112
Olaf Storbeck @olafstorbeck.ft.com · 16/09/2025
Langsam bekomme ich wirklich Mitleid mit Markus Braun. Der hat nicht nur eine Milliarde verloren und seine Freiheit, die Kollegen vom Spiegel nehmen ihm jetzt auch noch seinen Titel als Wirecard-Boss.
0100
Reposted by Olaf Storbeck
Martin Kocher @magratheantimes.bsky.social · 14/09/2025
I spoke to @olafstorbeck.ft.com @financialtimes.com after Thursday’s ECB Governing Council meeting: www.ft.com/content/da2e...
ft.com
ECB rate cuts at ‘or very close to’ end, says Austria’s central bank governor
Without any major surprises, arguments that led to this month’s hold should still apply, Martin Kocher tells FT
011
Olaf Storbeck @olafstorbeck.ft.com · 01/09/2025
We asked 94 economists to describe the future path of US monetary policy in one sentence. Many only needed one word: “horrible”, “chaos”, a “disaster” an “Turkey“ on.ft.com/4n6eDj4
on.ft.com
Investors underestimate Donald Trump’s threat to the Federal Reserve, economists warn
FT survey cites fears that president’s assault has caused long-term damage to the US central bank and economy
1113
Reposted by Olaf Storbeck
Olli Rehn @ollirehn.suomenpankki.fi · 31/08/2025
I had a good talk with @olafstorbeck.ft.com & @financialtimes.com. There is simply no room for complacency about price stability. We have to be mindful of the downside risks to inflation. on.ft.com/4n4gSU7
on.ft.com
‘No room for complacency’, warns top ECB policymaker after traders cool on rate cuts
Finland central bank governor Olli Rehn says inflation risks ‘currently tipped to the downside’
0112
Olaf Storbeck @olafstorbeck.ft.com · 31/08/2025
A top European Central Bank policymaker has pushed back against the view among investors that another rate cut over coming months is off the table, stressing that inflation risks are currently “tipped to the downside”. Olli Rehn: “There is simply no room for complacency" www.ft.com/content/763f...
ft.com
‘No room for complacency’, warns top ECB policymaker after traders cool on rate cuts
Finland central bank governor Olli Rehn says inflation risks ‘currently tipped to the downside’
020
Olaf Storbeck @olafstorbeck.ft.com · 30/08/2025
If you read one article this weekend, read this one on Israel. “The country’s moderates are not giving up the struggle against their rogue government — and progressives elsewhere must not give up on them, writes historian Fania Oz-Salzberger” on.ft.com/3Vo4r9Q
on.ft.com
The battle for the soul of Israel
The country’s moderates are not giving up the struggle against their rogue government — and progressives elsewhere must not give up on them, writes historian Fania Oz-Salzberger
3123
Reposted by Olaf Storbeck
A Reader of the FT @a-reader-ft.bsky.social · 28/08/2025
Asbestos, gold and spiralling costs: Bundesbank weighs abandoning Frankfurt headquarters—It might be more economical to sell the old premises, which could be turned into a prime residential development…  www.ft.com/content/e9d6... @olafstorbeck.ft.com @en.finalfantasyxiv.com
ft.com
Asbestos, gold and spiralling costs: Bundesbank weighs abandoning Frankfurt headquarters
A €3.3bn refurbishment of the brutalist site has come under fire from Germany’s Federal Audit Office
111
Olaf Storbeck @olafstorbeck.ft.com · 25/08/2025
“We botched it with Riester, and I don’t know how many more chances we will get. We simply cannot afford to get it wrong again.” The prospect for Germany's state pension is dire. Berlin is now trying to nudge people to the stock market with a €10-a-month subsidy for kids www.ft.com/content/f1cb...
ft.com
Germany’s pensions crisis: can €10 a month change how people invest?
Europe’s largest economy offers the young a subsidy to invest in equities as public retirement scheme creaks
1123
Olaf Storbeck @olafstorbeck.ft.com · 24/08/2025
The Bundesbank is considering abandoning its landmark brutalist headquarters amid regulatory criticism of a multibillion euro redevelopment of the asbestos-stricken site, where half of the country’s gold reserves are stored. on.ft.com/460UoxH
on.ft.com
Asbestos, gold and spiralling costs: Bundesbank weighs abandoning Frankfurt headquarters
A €3.3bn refurbishment of the brutalist site has come under fire from Germany’s Federal Audit Office
0265
Reposted by Olaf Storbeck
Audax UK @audaxuk.bsky.social · 22/08/2025
"London Edinburgh London 2025 must have been the best ‘cancelled’ ride in the history of cycling. Quickly relabeled “London Floris London”, it was a mass application of the principle that “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” #LEL25 #LEL2025 #Randonneur #Cycling #Audax #CyclingStories
0201
Olaf Storbeck @olafstorbeck.ft.com · 22/08/2025
My account of London Edinburgh London 2025 - the best 'cancelled' bike ride in the history of cycling: cycling-intelligence.com/2025/08/21/w...
cycling-intelligence.com
Why LEL 2025 was the best ‘cancelled’ Audax in the history of cycling
When I checked my iPhone on Monday morning after just two hours of sleep, I thought the weather app had frozen. The wind maps for both Monday and Tuesday seemed identical: a solid mass of red and a…
1123
Olaf Storbeck @olafstorbeck.ft.com · 15/08/2025
BILD -Werbung in der Tradition von Patagonia(“Don’t buy this jacket!“) gegen das eigene Produkt?
061
Olaf Storbeck @olafstorbeck.ft.com · 24/07/2025
Germany’s spending gamble - Friedrich Merz radical fiscal U turn and what it means for Europe's largest econony and the world, explained in a new FT video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9k4...
youtube.com
Germany’s spending gamble | FT Film
YouTube video by Financial Times
060
Olaf Storbeck @olafstorbeck.ft.com · 14/06/2025
Google “AI” ist wirklich einfach nur Schrott. Kann gar nicht sagen, wie sehr mir das auf den Zeiger geht. Muss wirklich auf Alternativen umsteigen. Aber können vor lachen.
270
Reposted by Olaf Storbeck
Henry Foy @henryjfoy.ft.com · 28/05/2025
💥 Christine Lagarde has discussed cutting short her term as European Central Bank president to become chair of the World Economic Forum, ousted WEF founder Klaus Schwab told @financialtimes.com A bonafide marmalade-dropper from @mjruehl.bsky.social & @olafstorbeck.ft.com on.ft.com/45sZ4fO
on.ft.com
Christine Lagarde discussed leaving ECB early to head WEF, Klaus Schwab says
[FREE TO READ] Ousted Davos founder says central bank chief has been in talks to leave before her term ends in 2027
155
Olaf Storbeck @olafstorbeck.ft.com · 15/05/2025
Das Faltrad, das Leben retten kann. Als wir Brompton Bicycle CEO Will Butler-Adams davon erzählten, dass dt Fahrradfahrer Geld für den Kauf von 10 gebrauchten Krankenwagen für die Ukraine sammeln, spendete er spontan ein Brompton G Line Faltrad. Versteigerung läuft. www.ebay.de/itm/29728430...
ebay.de
Brompton G Line Faltrad mit Gepäckträger (Größe M, Farbe: Orange) | eBay.de
Das Faltrad, das Leben retten kann. Das G Line ist das erste Brompton mit dem Fahrgefühl eines vollwertigen Fahrrads. All das wurde ganzheitlich um das Faltrad herum entwickelt, das uns berühmt gemach...
1215
Olaf Storbeck @olafstorbeck.ft.com · 12/05/2025
Two of Europe’s most powerful trade unions have accused European Central Bank president Christine Lagarde of undermining workers’ rights at the Frankfurt institution, escalating a long-running and bitter feud over labour relations. www.ft.com/content/423a...
ft.com
Christine Lagarde under fire from unions over ECB workers’ rights
Central bank wants elected staff representatives to spend more time in their day jobs
073
Olaf Storbeck @olafstorbeck.ft.com · 25/04/2025
Yikes on.ft.com/3RwFiIn
on.ft.com
Playing ‘whack-a-mole’ with Meta over my fraudulent avatars
How is it possible that a company with such huge resources, including artificial intelligence tools, cannot deal with this?
131
Olaf Storbeck @olafstorbeck.ft.com · 22/04/2025
Why don’t you wear a suit?
1632032
Olaf Storbeck @olafstorbeck.ft.com · 21/04/2025
Happy Easter everyone! I am still glowing from our 300km Audax on Saturday which has raised some €17,500 for the purchase of a used ambulance that will be donated to Ukraine as part of Chainreaction Bike Convoy for Ukraine.
1295
Olaf Storbeck @olafstorbeck.ft.com · 14/04/2025
How was your weekend? Mine was great: I cycled 312km on Saturday in 17:33 hours for the final route check of Two Peaks Frankfurt. We are raising funds to buy a used ambulance for Ukraine. You can support us too! Donate straight to Bamberg:UA, the charity we are supporting. lnkd.in/e64ygqp4
3396
Olaf Storbeck @olafstorbeck.ft.com · 09/04/2025
Folks, I’m getting a bit tired of this daily soap.
media.tenor.com
a man is holding a squirrel in his car
ALT: a man is holding a squirrel in his car
0300
Reposted by Olaf Storbeck
PubAffairs EU Debates, News & Opinions 🇪🇺 @pubaffairsbruxelles.eu · 19/03/2025
#Eurozone & #AI: #Bundesbank enlists #AI to prove #ECB’s dovish bias, by @olafstorbeck.ft.com | Financial Times
ft.com
Bundesbank enlists AI to prove ECB’s dovish bias
Germany’s central bank compares Eurozone bank policies and rhetoric in study powered by artificial intelligence
011
Olaf Storbeck @olafstorbeck.ft.com · 14/03/2025
What a fascinating story about the global gold trade, which Trump has sent into overdrive, by Leslie Hook. www.ft.com/content/2289...
281
Olaf Storbeck @olafstorbeck.ft.com · 12/03/2025
Always fun to be back at university venues.... But back in the days, the speakers were rarely as prominent...
0100
Olaf Storbeck @olafstorbeck.ft.com · 11/03/2025
Trump completely lost his marbles.
2163
Olaf Storbeck @olafstorbeck.ft.com · 11/03/2025
What's next? Firing a tactical nuclear rocket?
5183
Olaf Storbeck @olafstorbeck.ft.com · 10/03/2025
It's such a shame for the profession that economists who already failed to see the Great Financial Crisis coming also did not see that Maganomics might not be good for the US. How could they miss that? www.ft.com/content/d6f5...
0112
Olaf Storbeck @olafstorbeck.ft.com · 10/03/2025
Love this reader's comment on our story about Germany's €2tn fiscal space over the next decade.
011526
Olaf Storbeck @olafstorbeck.ft.com · 10/03/2025
FT economists’ poll: Germany can spend almost €2tn without harming growth - survey finds ‘large fiscal capacity’, but economists urge would-be chancellor Friedrich Merz to spend funds wisely www.ft.com/content/fd0c...
ft.com
FT economists’ poll: Germany can spend almost €2tn without harming growth
FT survey finds ‘large fiscal capacity’, but economists urge would-be chancellor Friedrich Merz to spend funds wisely
23515
Olaf Storbeck @olafstorbeck.ft.com · 08/03/2025
Die Seiten zu den Strukturreformen sind offenbar im Fax liegengeblieben.
0194
Olaf Storbeck @olafstorbeck.ft.com · 08/03/2025
Die wenigen Absätze zum Klimaschutz im Sondierungspapier sind insofern wirklich nicht schlau, als dass die Koa ja noch die Zustimmung der Grünen zur GG-Änderung braucht. Da hätte man doch wenigstens ChatGPT noch ein paar Worthülsen zum Klimaschutz schreiben lassen können.
dropbox.com
1121