ECB Keeps Options Open for October Rate Hike

European Central Bank (ECB) Governing Council member Gabriel Makhlouf has hinted at the possibility of an interest-rate hike in October, depending on circumstances. In an interview with Bloomberg Television on Thursday, September 17, 2026, Makhlouf emphasized that each decision regarding borrowing costs will be taken as it comes.

Makhlouf pointed out that there are currently no worrying signs of inflation spreading into wages, but officials will still consider every meeting as 'live', including the one scheduled for October. This means that the ECB is keeping its options open and will reassess the situation before making a decision.