Markets Lagarde warns Iran war shock will last 'years' as European stocks slip European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde has warned that markets are "overly optimistic" about the Iran war's economic impact, as stocks fell across Europe, Asia and Wall Street on Friday. 27/03/2026
Economy Iran war energy shock puts ECB on alert — Lagarde vows timely response The Iran war has sent oil and gas prices surging and rate hike bets rising, but ECB chief Christine Lagarde says the eurozone is far better placed to absorb the shock than it was when Russia invaded Ukraine. 25/03/2026
Economy Iran war has 'material impact' on inflation, ECB's Lagarde warns ECB holds rates, warning Middle East tensions and oil risks could push inflation higher. Baseline sees 2.6% in 2026, but energy shocks could lift it to 3.5% or 4.4%, depending on how long supply disruptions persist. 19/03/2026
Europe News Lagarde: Falling inflation still 'doesn’t feel real’ for households ECB surveys show households feel stronger price pressures than official data suggest, even as headline inflation falls to 1.7%. 26/02/2026
Economy Lagarde under fire over ‘additional’ BIS salary in breach of ECB rules The ECB President is facing backlash after disclosing she earns over €140,000 a year as a board member for the Bank for International Settlements (BIS). ECB policy bans regular staff from accepting third-party payments. 23/02/2026
Economy EU countries prepare for ECB race as Lagarde eyes early exit Following reports on Wednesday that Christine Lagarde could step down as ECB President before her mandate ends, some EU countries have begun sounding out potential successors. 20/02/2026
Business Why political meddling over Lagarde’s exit risks undermining the ECB Analysts say a far-right victory in France would not be able to force through a 'maverick” candidate or rewrite economic policy, though the political manoeuvring risks undermining the ECB’s reputation. 18/02/2026
Economy ECB says 'no decision made' on Lagarde's potential exit amid reports Reports on Wednesday indicated Christine Lagarde could step down as ECB President before her mandate expires in October 2027. The ECB asserted that no decision has been made and that the President is focused on her mission, in a response to Euronews. 18/02/2026
Economy ECB rates unchanged, Lagarde: 'Inflation is in a good place' The ECB kept rates unchanged as inflation fell to 1.7%. Christine Lagarde said policy is “in a good place”, downplaying the undershoot as temporary, while stressing data dependence, balanced risks and the need for EU reforms to support growth. 05/02/2026
Economy Could inflation in Europe make an unexpected comeback in 2026? The eurozone's private sector grew in January, but services inflation is showing a sustained rise, raising fresh concerns for the ECB. 23/01/2026
Economy ECB's Lagarde: AI fuels investment, no rate path set ECB President Christine Lagarde kept rates unchanged, citing persistent uncertainty and strong AI-driven investment. 18/12/2025
Economy ECB holds interest rates as eurozone economic growth remains robust The eurozone has managed to weather US tariffs more effectively than expected. Growth remains resilient, while inflation continues to hover around the ECB’s 2% target. 18/12/2025
Economy 'Europe's existential crisis': ECB's Lagarde calls for urgent reforms ECB President Christine Lagarde urged the European Commission to dismantle internal trade barriers, warning they stifle competitiveness. 10/12/2025
Economy Property of the people? ECB says Italy’s gold isn’t political treasure A proposal to declare Italy’s gold as the property of the people could undermine central bank independence, warned the ECB. 04/12/2025
Economy Eurozone inflation slows to 2.1%, yet Lagarde stays cautious Eurozone inflation eased to 2.1% in October, nearing the ECB’s target. Lagarde praised progress but warned of global and wage-related risks. 31/10/2025
Economy ECB keeps interest rate at 2% as growth holds up against trade tension With inflation subdued and growth steady, the ECB maintained rates at their lowest level in more than two years, matching market expectations. 30/10/2025
Economy Eurozone inflation comes in softer than expected in August, at 2% Inflation is now in line with the target set by the European Central Bank. As economic growth remains robust, more rate cuts from the ECB aren't likely to come soon. 17/09/2025
Economy Why is Lagarde holding rates? The economy is in a 'good place' Lagarde says the eurozone economy is 'in a good place' as the ECB keeps its benchmark rate steady at 2.00%. With inflation near target and growth revised up, rate cuts are off the table, for now. 11/09/2025
Economy European Central Bank leaves key deposit rate unchanged at 2% As analysts widely expected, the European Central Bank kept its benchmark interest rate untouched on Thursday. This comes as the eurozone economy shows signs of resilience and inflation remains close to the ECB’s 2% target. 11/09/2025
Economy ECB hits pause button: Here’s why Lagarde isn’t rushing things The European Central Bank kept rates unchanged as inflation hit its 2% target. Lagarde urged patience, citing global risks and reaffirming a data-driven approach. 24/07/2025