BBVA Research has used big data technologies to examine the impact of COVID-19 on Spanish consumption. The conclusions reflect a 49 percent average decline in consumer spending. The analysis has led to a collaboration between researchers at BBVA Research, the University of Cambridge, the Imperial College of London, and the University of Edinburgh. The use of anonymous transactional data to gain a real-time reflection of reactions to the crisis and economic policies was justified for decision-making purposes.

According to the publication released from BBVA Research, When will the U.S. economy recover from the infection?, the experience of countries that have transitioned beyond the worst phase of the pandemic suggest that the number of coronavirus cases in the U.S. could peak in the spring or early summer.

‘No one left behind’ in the fourth industrial revolution: this is the commitment made by various international organizations including the United Nations and the International Labour Organization. The United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development commits to the principles of universality and equality, two fundamental ideas that should be redefined in the context of the digital revolution. How can these principles be ensured in the midst of the profound change produced by technological progress?

Garanti BBVA’s Cash Management service portfolio has been recognized by Global Finance magazine as the best in Turkey. The bank’s Cash Management model, personalized customer solutions, product diversity and market share as some of the key aspects cited by the publication in its assessment.

The BBVA Research team has published its Economic Outlook for first quarter 2020, offering a look at a number of timely events and their anticipated economic impact.

“Work in the Age of Data” is the 12th book in the collection published by BBVA to disseminate and discuss fundamental issues of our time. This series is part of the bank’s OpenMind project -- a digital community that aims to generate and disseminate knowledge in an open and free manner.

The book, which addresses the effects of the digital revolution on the labor market, can be downloaded for free in Spanish and English in different electronic formats.

Today BBVA launched an issuance of senior non-preferred debt in Switzerland. It is the first time the bank has issued debt in the alpine country. The deal closed at 160 million Swiss francs (around €150 million), well above the initial offer of CHF 150 million (around €140 million).

Nonfinancial debt, specifically the relatively high ratio of business leverage, is drawing attention from economists working in policy and finance spheres, according to a recent publication by BBVA Senior Economist Filip Blazheski.

BBVA Research published its January auto sales chartbook, noting vehicle sales were 16.9 million in 2019, down 1.7% from 2018. While the sales results are still solid, 2019 sales were the lowest since 2014.