The total assets of this sector in the euro area amounted to € trillion in mid-2014 (from € trillion at the end of 2013), against € trillion for the banking sector.
Most importantly, there is a risk that price and wage-setting behaviour could add to inflationary pressures. In particular, the pricing power of firms, notably in market segments with low competition, may prove stronger than currently expected, and stronger than expected wage growth may emerge, taking into account high capacity utilisation and tight labour market conditions.