Economy Will the European Central Bank opt for a large rate cut in December? Money markets see an increased likelihood of the European Central Bank (ECB) deepening its rate cuts in December following weak economic data. However, analysts expect the bank to maintain a gradual approach to rate reductions due to the persistent upside risks in inflation. 25/10/2024
Economy ECB watchers see more rate cuts to come after October decision Economists expect the ECB to continue rate cuts, aiming for 2% by mid-2025. Lagarde's focus on downside inflation risks and weak growth signals further easing. 18/10/2024
Economy ECB rate cuts: 'We're breaking the neck of inflation,' says Lagarde Inflation is on track to hit the medium-term 2% target in 2025. The ECB remains data-dependent, with no pre-commitment to future rate changes. 17/10/2024
Economy ECB cuts rates again as inflation falls below target The 25 basis point cut, expected by analysts, arrives against a backdrop of settling inflation and anaemic growth. 17/10/2024
Business Lagarde supports bank mergers as UniCredit-Commerzbank talks intensify The ECB has indicated its support for UniCredit’s potential full takeover of Commerzbank, as cross-border banking mergers align with the single market’s unity strategy, enhancing the competitiveness of the European banking system on a global scale. 01/10/2024
Business ECB's Lagarde predicts inflation to hit 2% target next year ECB President Christine Lagarde praised the "remarkable" unwinding of inflation with minimal job losses, projecting inflation to hit target by 2025. However, she warned that significant uncertainties remain. 20/09/2024
Economy Will the ECB cut interest rates again in October? Analysts weigh in Analysts are divided on whether the ECB will cut rates again in October, with some expecting a pause until December. Key factors include wage pressures, inflation data, and oil prices. Most agree on gradual easing, with more cuts likely into 2025. 13/09/2024
Markets Weekly recap: European Central Bank rate cut sparks market rally Global stock markets were mostly positive this week, buoyed by optimism over central banks' rate cuts. The ECB’s second rate reduction of the year fuelled a market rally across Europe. 13/09/2024
Economy ECB's Lagarde reaffirms data-driven approach to future rate decisions ECB President Christine Lagarde reaffirms a data-driven approach to rate decisions while urging structural reforms, citing Mario Draghi's competitiveness report. The ECB lowered its deposit rate by 25 basis points, with inflation and growth forecasts largely unchanged. 12/09/2024
Economy European Central Bank cuts interest rates again as inflation slows The European Central Bank (ECB) has cut its key interest rates as the markets expected, marking its second reduction this year following a move in June. 12/09/2024
Economy ECB meeting preview: No surprise cut in July, all eyes on September Following June’s rate cut, the ECB is expected to maintain rates steady at its July meeting, awaiting September economic projections. Divisions widen between hawk and dove members, while analysts anticipate two more cuts by year-end. 17/07/2024
Economy ECB’s Lagarde foresees a bumpy road to 2% inflation amid uncertainties ECB President Christine Lagarde highlighted the complex journey towards the 2% inflation target at the ECB Forum on Central Banking in Sintra. 03/07/2024
Economy ECB delivers a “hawkish” rate cut, Lagarde stresses data dependency The ECB reduced interest rates by 25 basis points, signalling a moderation in monetary policy restrictions. However, Frankfurt also issued an upward revision to its inflation projections, now expecting headline inflation to average 2.5% in 2024 and 2.2% in 2025. 06/06/2024
Economy Eurozone growth tops estimates as April inflation holds steady at 2.6% Eurozone economy grew by 0.3% in the first quarter of 2024, beating expectations and marking the strongest growth since Q3 2022. Annual inflation remained stable at 2.4%, while core inflation slowed to 2.7%, likely clearing the path towards the first ECB rate cut in June. 30/04/2024
Economy ECB's Lagarde highlights private capital need for innovation in Europe At a Council on Foreign Relations meeting on Wednesday, European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde stressed the importance of private investments in catalysing Europe's green transition and fostering innovation. 18/04/2024
Economy Eurozone inflation falls more than expected: Green light for ECB cuts? Eurostat data for March 2024 revealed a drop in annual consumer price inflation to 2.4%, below the expected 2.6% and hitting a four-month low. Market foresees four ECB rate cuts by end-2024, with the first expected in June. 03/04/2024
Economy Market enthusiasm on rate cuts meets Lagarde's prudence ECB President Christine Lagarde emphasises caution on rate cuts after the central bank kept interest rates at record high on Thursday. 07/03/2024
Economy ECB keeps rates at a record: Inflation expected to hit 2% by 2025 The ECB kept its benchmark interest rates on hold in March, noting a further decline in inflation. Price pressures are now expected to reach the 2% target by 2025. 07/03/2024
Markets ECB staff push back against 'authoritarian' climate views Aggrieved employees claim the organisation's green stance undermines principles of diversity and inclusion. 06/03/2024
Economy Euro area to struggle with 'subdued' activity in short term: Lagarde The head of the European Central Bank noted that, while economic activity will still be sluggish in the near future, data suggests things will pick up later on in 2024. 15/02/2024