ECB Signals Rate Cuts as Inflation Nears 2% Target
Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank, offered a cautiously optimistic outlook on Monday, stating that the Eurozone’s “darkest days” of high inflation have passed.
Speaking in Vilnius, Lagarde underscored that inflation risks had “recently subsided” and hinted at further interest rate reductions as borrowing costs trend downward.
The ECB recently lowered its benchmark deposit rate to 3%, marking the fourth consecutive quarter-point cut this year. Inflation, which peaked at a record 10.6% in 2022, has now cooled to 2.3% in November and is projected to align with the ECB’s 2% target by 2026. Lagarde emphasized that wage growth, a lingering concern, is expected to decline from 4.8% this year to 3% by 2025, easing inflationary pressures.
Weak Growth in the Eurozone Dampens Recovery
While inflation shows promising signs of stability, Eurozone growth remains a concern. The ECB downgraded its GDP forecast for 2024 to a modest 0.7%, sharply lower than its earlier estimate of 1.8%. Lagarde highlighted “small sequential downward revisions” in growth outlooks, reflecting weaker-than-expected economic recovery.
The contraction in business activity appeared to moderate in December, with the composite Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rising to 49.5 from 48.3 in November. Despite the improvement, the PMI remains below 50, signaling continued economic contraction, particularly in manufacturing. Analysts, including Jack Allen-Reynolds of Capital Economics, suggest the data strengthens the case for further ECB rate cuts to stimulate growth.
Geopolitical Uncertainty Poses Risks to Outlook
Lagarde acknowledged that geopolitical uncertainties could disrupt inflation forecasts and investor sentiment. She stressed the importance of monitoring monetary transmission effectiveness, especially in managing bond spreads across Eurozone member states. The ECB remains cautious, prepared to respond to unforeseen global shocks that could destabilize economic projections.
Key Insights:
- Inflation Trend: Annual inflation fell to 2.3%, approaching the ECB’s 2% target.
- GDP Downgrade: Eurozone GDP growth forecast for 2024 reduced to 0.7%.
- Rate Cuts: Lagarde signals further ECB interest rate reductions are likely in 2025.
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