ECB Hikes Interest Rates Again as Experts Debate Future Rate Moves

The European Central Bank (ECB) raised interest rates again by 25 basis points to address inflationary pressures, placing the deposit rate at 2.5%. This is the second upward adjustment of the official reference so far this year.

Christine Lagarde's press conference following the meeting showed a clearly restrictive tone, maintaining the ECB's data-driven approach and decision-making meeting by meeting.

Lagarde emphasized that the institution is willing to 'adjust all (the) instruments within (its) mandate to ensure that inflation stabilizes,' while acknowledging that pressure on prices continues to rise.

However, experts disagree on whether another rate hike will occur before the year ends. Some analysts, like Simon Dangoor from Goldman Sachs, expect a new increase in interest rates in December due to solid growth and high energy prices adding inflationary pressure.