Regarding Europe they are obviously trying to counter the possibility of deflation taking hold. Does not augur well in the long term for inflation after USA's massive stimulus.
Hard assets the place to be long term , chief of which , yes before gold , is real estate and land land land. Only because you can use it. Gold has responded to the rate drop because of inflationary fears as a result of this move.
Germany is just getting stronger and stronger whilst its latin neighbours suffer.